From the Guidelines
Checking a zinc level in a patient with weight loss is crucial because zinc deficiency can contribute to decreased appetite, altered taste sensation, and impaired metabolism, all of which can lead to unintentional weight loss, as highlighted in the most recent study by 1. Zinc plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including protein synthesis, immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. When patients present with unexplained weight loss, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like altered taste (dysgeusia), poor wound healing, hair loss, or recurrent infections, zinc deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Certain populations are at higher risk for zinc deficiency, including:
- Elderly individuals
- Those with malabsorptive disorders (like Crohn's disease or celiac disease)
- Alcoholics
- Vegetarians
- Patients on long-term parenteral nutrition As noted in 1, zinc deficiency can affect cells involved in both innate and adaptive immunity, leading to impaired immune function. If zinc deficiency is confirmed through serum testing (normal range typically 70-120 μg/dL), supplementation may be recommended at doses of 25-50 mg elemental zinc daily for 2-3 months, with follow-up testing to ensure normalization, as suggested in 1. Addressing zinc deficiency can help restore appetite, improve taste sensation, and support overall metabolic function, potentially helping to reverse the weight loss. Regular monitoring of zinc levels is essential, especially in patients undergoing bariatric surgery, as recommended in 1, to prevent zinc deficiency and its associated complications. In patients with increased gastrointestinal and/or skin losses, zinc measurement should be done on commencing long-term parenteral nutrition, and repeated as required, as stated in 1. Overall, checking zinc levels in patients with weight loss is a critical step in identifying and addressing potential zinc deficiency, which can have a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, as emphasized in 1.
From the Research
Zinc Deficiency and Weight Loss
- Weight loss can be a symptom of zinc deficiency, as zinc plays a crucial role in human metabolism and is essential for various bodily functions 2, 3.
- Patients with malnutrition, alcoholism, inflammatory bowel disease, and malabsorption syndromes are at an increased risk of zinc deficiency, which can lead to weight loss 2.
- Zinc deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including growth retardation, diarrhea, alopecia, glossitis, nail dystrophy, decreased immunity, and hypogonadism in males, which can contribute to weight loss 2, 3.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Zinc Deficiency
- The diagnosis of zinc deficiency is based on four main criteria: anamnesis, symptomatology, belonging to well-defined risk groups, and the determination of biomarkers 3.
- The pharmacotherapy of zinc deficiency consists of oral administration of zinc salts 3.
- Zinc supplements with dietary components can improve zinc utilization rates and are easily accessible 4.
Importance of Zinc in Human Health
- Zinc is an essential trace element required for numerous metabolic processes, and its deficiency can result in various diseases or nutritional deficiencies 4, 5.
- Zinc has critical effects on homeostasis, immune function, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and aging, and significant disorders of great public health interest are associated with zinc deficiency 5.
- Assessing zinc status and correcting zinc deficiency is important, as it may have significant therapeutic benefits in various diseases, including chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and autoimmune diseases 5, 6.