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Zinc deficiency is surprisingly common in American kids. It’s estimated that 10% of boys and 6% of girls are zinc deficient and that 30-50% of American kids don’t get enough zinc in their diets. Children that eat a mostly vegetarian diet, exclusively breastfed infants over 6 months of age, kids with digestive conditions (eg. IBS), and kids from lower income households are more likely to be affected. 

Signs of Zinc Deficiency in ChildrenA graphic displaying signs of zinc deficiency in children, like increased cold & flu, poor attention span, and low energy.

  1. Decreased Growth
  2. Slow development
  3. Increased colds & flus
  4. Learning disabilities
  5. Low energy
  6. Poor attention span
  7. Difficulties with memory
  8. Loss of appetite
  9. Diarrhea
  10. Rashes
  11. Slow healing wounds
  12. Impaired taste and smell
  13. Hair loss

You probably noticed that these are broad, non-specific symptoms that could be caused by a number of different things. This is why it is important to work with a doctor to come to a diagnosis of zinc deficiency. 

Tests for Zinc Deficiency

If your doctor suspects a zinc deficiency, then they will usually order tests. Zinc can be measured in a blood test or a urine test. Unfortunately, these are considered unreliable because of how zinc is distributed in the body. A zinc tally test, also known as a zinc taste test, is another way to attempt to measure zinc status by measuring your sense of taste, but this method is also unreliable because factors other than zinc affect the sense of taste. 

Luckily, zinc is a relatively safe and inexpensive intervention, so response to zinc treatment can be used as part of a zinc deficiency diagnosis. This means that if a zinc deficiency is suspected (because of symptoms, risk factors, and/or test results), then a trial of zinc supplementation is done. If symptoms begin to improve, then it could be safe to say that a zinc deficiency caused them and zinc supplementation can continue until the symptoms are fully resolved. 

Treatment of Zinc Deficiency

Treatment of zinc deficiency is relatively straightforward and involves oral supplementation with zinc. However, zinc toxicity is possible if too much is ingested and there are other therapeutic concerns to keep in mind. Learn more about the benefits of zinc, and remember to always work with a healthcare professional if you suspect a zinc deficiency. 

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References:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/disorders-of-nutrition/minerals/zinc-deficiency
https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20020524/zinc-helps-kids-grow
https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2011-07/zinc-bottom-line-monograph

Dr. Green Mom

Dr. Mayer is a naturopathic medical doctor and an expert in nutrition and wellness as it relates to pediatrics and families. Her passion for prevention of disease as cure fueled her desire to immerse herself into specializing in adult onset chronic conditions, as well as childhood chronic illness.

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