09/29/2018 / By Rhonda Johansson
It is estimated that 17.3 percent of the global population suffer from a zinc deficiency. That may not seem like a large number until one considers the caution that comes with this conclusion: Health professionals themselves do not fully know the extent of the problem.
Zinc deficiency studies have largely been based on the prevalence of child stunting, estimates of dietary intakes, and the availability of zinc from the food supply, according to a 2015 study entitled, The Epidemiology of Global Micronutrient Deficiencies published in the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism. Thus, the percentage of people who suffer from a lack of zinc may actually be higher. According to the paper, “deficiency in zinc is thought to be one of the primary causes of morbidity in developing countries and, yet, surprisingly little is known about the status of the world.”
Michael Hambridge, Ph.D., professor emeritus of pediatrics and nutrition at the University of Colorado School of Medicine wrote on Health.com, “zinc is required by every cell, system, and organ in your body. It’s involved in nearly every biological process. And because its functions are so diverse, symptoms of a deficiency are also diverse.” This, he claims, is why it is extremely important to learn how to identify a zinc deficiency, and how to prevent these low levels from occurring in the first place.
It can be difficult to detect a zinc deficiency, but there are certain signs to watch out for. Take note that these are not conclusive by themselves, but being aware of them will prove useful for early detection.
Health professionals state those most at-risk of suffering from a zinc deficiency are pregnant women and vegetarians. A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition even suggested that vegans may need as much as 50 percent more of the recommended daily allowance of zinc compared to those who regularly eat meat. It was also concluded that certain plant foods such, as legumes and whole grains, contain phytic acid, a compound that blocks the absorption of zinc, which further worsens zinc deficiency.
Thankfully, a zinc deficiency can be addressed quite easily by proper food intake. Vegans need not worry about going back to their carnivorous ways. According to WellnessMama.com, some great food sources of zinc include: pumpkin seeds (about 9 mg per 3 oz), dark chocolate (8-9 mg per 3 oz), beans (2.9 mg per 3 oz), and tahini (about 9 mg per 3 oz).
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