This time, I'd like to talk about zinc.
What do you think of when you hear the word "zinc"?
When you hear the word zinc, what do you think of?
What are the conditions that can lead to zinc deficiency? What are the symptoms of a deficiency? Please read on to find out what you need to know.
People at high risk of zinc deficiency
People who have had gastrointestinal disorders or gastrointestinal surgery.
If you are simply in a situation where the absorption of nutrients is easily interfered with, then you are also likely to be deficient in zinc.
People with chronic diarrhea symptoms are also considered to be prone to zinc deficiency.
Vegetarianism
When it comes to vegetarian diets, it is said that you need to consume 50% more zinc than normal to get the same amount of zinc as in a non-vegetarian diet.
Fermented grains seem to be a hint to increase zinc intake, so you may need to change your mind and review your diet.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding tend to be deficient in zinc because their fetus requires it.Also, lactating children between the ages of 7~12 months who are exclusively breastfed are more prone to zinc deficiency.
Therefore, it is advisable to supplement with food and zinc-containing regulators.
Alcoholism
There is data that 30~50% of alcoholics are zinc deficient because of the increased excretion in urine as well as absorption in alcoholism, which can lead to poor intestinal absorption.If you are one of those people who say that alcohol is the cure-all, it means that you may have that problem.
Health conditions that can occur with a deficiency
Growth retardation
Loss of appetite
Immune dysfunction
In general, these disorders occur, but in more serious cases, hair loss, diarrhea, decreased sexual function, eye and skin lesions, weight loss, delayed wound healing, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy may occur.
Zinc deficiency is often perceived as taste disorder, and when this is the case, the deficiency may be very serious.
Conclusion
It is not uncommon for people to take excessive amounts of zinc due to the influence of the media, which often imprint the idea that various health problems are caused by a lack of nutrients.
If you are concerned about this, please write down what you eat in your daily life and consult with a nutrition specialist.
Supplementing with supplements may seem like a simple and easy solution, but in reality, it may not be a fundamental solution, so a little more thought is needed.
