What are the signs of zinc deficiency?

In infants and children, diarrhea is a common sign. Older children may have hair loss, slow growth and frequent infections.^[1] Low zinc can also cause loss of appetite and change the senses of taste and smell. In older adults it can slow wound healing.^[1]

People with bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease are more likely to run low, and so are people after bariatric surgery.^[1] Other groups at risk are vegetarians and vegans, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children with sickle cell disease and people with alcohol use disorder. Infants older than 6 months who get only breast milk are also at risk.^[1] Doctors use a blood test of serum zinc, but the result also depends on age, sex, time of day and infections.^[1]