What Is Low Zinc?
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that your body cannot produce on its own. Every cell depends on it for critical functions, including immune response, protein synthesis, DNA creation, and wound healing. Unlike some nutrients your body can store in large amounts, zinc must be consumed regularly through food or supplements because your body has no specialized zinc storage system.
Low zinc, also known as zinc deficiency, occurs when your body does not have enough zinc to perform these vital tasks effectively. The World Health Organization estimates that zinc deficiency affects nearly one-third of the global population, making it one of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. In developed countries, mild deficiency is more common than severe deficiency, yet it often goes unrecognized because early signs are subtle and can be attributed to other health problems.
Recognizing the signs of low zinc matters because early intervention can prevent complications and support overall health. Throughout this guide, you will learn the ten most common warning signs, how deficiency develops, how it is diagnosed, and what steps you can take to address it safely and effectively.
What Are the 10 Signs of Low Zinc?
Zinc deficiency can affect nearly every system in your body because zinc participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. This means symptoms can appear across multiple areas, from your skin to your digestive tract to your brain. The following ten signs represent the most common and well-documented indicators of low zinc levels.
Signs of zinc deficiency can range from mild to severe, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. The severity often depends on how deficient you are, how long the deficiency has existed, and individual factors like age and overall health.
Signs vs. Conditions: What You Need to Know
One of the challenges with zinc deficiency is that its signs overlap with many other medical conditions. The table below highlights how zinc deficiency signs can be confused with other health issues, which is why proper testing matters.
| Zinc Deficiency Sign | Often Confused With | Key Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Hair loss | Thyroid disorders, iron deficiency | Zinc-related hair loss often improves with supplementation |
| Frequent infections | Immunodeficiency disorders, stress | Zinc deficiency typically causes recurrent, not severe, infections |
| Skin rashes | Eczema, contact dermatitis, allergies | Zinc-related rashes often appear around body openings |
| Slow healing | Diabetes, poor circulation | Zinc-related healing issues improve after supplementation |
| Loss of taste or smell | COVID-19, neurological conditions | Zinc deficiency causes gradual, not sudden, loss |
Sign 1: Frequent Illness or a Weak Immune System
Zinc plays a fundamental role in your immune system. It helps develop and activate T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that coordinates your immune response. Zinc also supports natural killer cells, which defend against viruses and other pathogens.
If you find yourself catching every cold that circulates through your workplace or home, low zinc could be a contributing factor. Studies show that zinc deficiency impairs both innate and adaptive immunity, making you more vulnerable to respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other illnesses. Zinc deficiency is so closely tied to immune function that even mild deficiency can reduce your ability to fight off everyday pathogens.
Zinc also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress. When your immune cells are fighting infections, they produce free radicals that need to be neutralized. Without adequate zinc, this protective mechanism becomes less efficient, potentially extending the duration of illnesses.
Sign 2: Hair Loss or Thinning Hair
Your hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in your body, and they require adequate zinc to function properly. Zinc supports DNA and RNA synthesis in hair follicle cells and helps maintain the structural integrity of hair proteins.
Low zinc can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing more hair follicles into the resting phase and reducing new hair production. This often manifests as diffuse thinning across the entire scalp rather than distinct bald patches. Some people notice more hair in their brush or shower drain, while others see a gradual reduction in hair volume.
Zinc deficiency has also been linked to telogen effluvium, a condition where large numbers of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously, causing significant shedding several months later. It has also been associated with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition characterized by patchy hair loss. While not everyone with these conditions has zinc deficiency, addressing low zinc levels may improve hair outcomes.
Sign 3: Skin Rashes, Acne, or Eczema
Your skin contains high concentrations of zinc, particularly in the epidermis. Zinc contributes to skin barrier function, inflammation control, and tissue repair, which is why skin problems are prominent signs of deficiency.
Zinc deficiency can cause distinctive skin rashes, especially around the mouth, eyes, and genital area. This condition, known as acrodermatitis enteropathica, produces inflamed, scaly patches that may blister or become crusty. In adults with mild deficiency, the signs may be less dramatic but still noticeable, including dry, rough skin or increased acne breakouts.
Zinc's anti-inflammatory properties also play a role in managing acne and eczema. Studies have found lower zinc levels in people with acne and eczema compared to those with clear skin. Topical and oral zinc have both demonstrated benefits in managing these skin conditions, though zinc deficiency should not be assumed to be the sole cause of acne or eczema, which are complex and multifactorial.
Sign 4: Slow Wound Healing
Zinc is essential for every phase of the wound healing process, including inflammation, tissue formation, and tissue remodeling. It supports platelet aggregation, collagen synthesis, and cell proliferation, all critical steps in repairing damaged tissue.
If you notice that cuts, scrapes, or surgical incisions take longer than usual to heal, low zinc may be to blame. This sign is particularly relevant in older adults, who often have lower zinc levels and slower wound healing. A 2023 systematic review in the Journal of Nutrition found that zinc supplementation accelerated wound healing in zinc-deficient individuals, confirming the mineral's importance in tissue repair.
Slow healing extends beyond visible wounds. Zinc deficiency can also impair the healing of internal tissues, like the lining of the digestive tract, which may contribute to other digestive symptoms. If wounds heal slowly and leave prominent scars, this could be another indication that your body lacks sufficient zinc for collagen formation and tissue regeneration.
Sign 5: Diarrhea or Digestive Changes
Zinc plays a protective role in your gastrointestinal tract, supporting the integrity of the intestinal lining and the activity of digestive enzymes. Zinc deficiency is strongly associated with diarrhea, particularly in children, and the World Health Organization recommends zinc supplementation for pediatric diarrhea management.
One of the reasons zinc deficiency is so pervasive in developing countries is that diarrhea itself causes zinc loss, creating a vicious cycle. Chronic diarrhea depletes your body's zinc stores, and the resulting deficiency makes the digestive system more vulnerable to infection and further dysfunction. In adults, low zinc may contribute to loose stools, changes in bowel habits, or poor digestion.
Zinc also supports the balance of gut bacteria and helps maintain the gut barrier. When zinc levels are low, intestinal permeability can increase, allowing toxins and partially digested food to enter the bloodstream, which may trigger systemic inflammation and food sensitivities.
Sign 6: Loss of Taste or Smell
Zinc is critical for your sense of taste and smell. It is present in high concentrations in the gustatory cells that line your taste buds and the olfactory receptors in your nasal passages. These sensory cells regenerate rapidly, requiring consistent zinc supply for normal function.
Hypogeusia is the medical term for reduced ability to taste, while anosmia refers to loss of smell. Both conditions have been documented in zinc-deficient individuals. Some people with zinc deficiency report that food tastes bland or metallic, while others notice a persistent salty or bitter taste that does not correspond to what they are eating.
Loss of taste and smell can have significant consequences beyond meal enjoyment. These senses help stimulate digestion by triggering saliva and gastric acid production. They also serve as safety mechanisms, helping you detect spoiled food or dangerous fumes. If your senses have diminished gradually without a clear cause such as a head cold or COVID-19, zinc deficiency deserves consideration as a possible factor.
Sign 7: Brain Fog or Mood Changes
The brain contains some of the highest zinc concentrations in the body, particularly in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory formation and learning. Zinc modulates synaptic signaling and supports neurotransmitter function, making it essential for cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
Low zinc has been associated with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory problems. Some people describe feeling mentally sluggish or having trouble finding words. These cognitive symptoms can be subtle and may develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss or attribute to stress, aging, or lack of sleep.
Mood changes are also documented in zinc deficiency. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that low zinc levels correlate with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Zinc affects the function of the nervous system, including how nerve impulses are transmitted. Some studies suggest that zinc supplementation may enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy, although it is not a replacement for evidence-based mental health treatments.
Sign 8: Appetite Loss or Unexplained Weight Loss
Zinc influences appetite regulation through multiple pathways. It affects the hypothalamus, the brain region that controls hunger signals, and supports the function of gustatory receptors that make food appealing. When zinc levels are low, appetite often diminishes, which can lead to a downward spiral of reduced food intake and further nutrient depletion.
Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss are common symptoms of zinc deficiency, particularly in older adults. A 2021 study in the journal Nutrients found that nursing home residents with low zinc levels showed significantly lower food intake and greater weight loss compared to residents with adequate zinc status.
Children with zinc deficiency frequently demonstrate poor appetite, which can interfere with growth and development. Addressing zinc status in children with poor appetite has been shown to improve food intake and weight gain. In adults, unexplained weight loss accompanied by other signs of zinc deficiency warrants evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Sign 9: Vision Problems or Night Blindness
Your eyes contain high concentrations of zinc, particularly in the retina, where it supports the function of enzymes and antioxidants. Zinc is especially concentrated in the retinal pigment epithelium, a layer of tissue that nourishes and protects the retina's light-sensitive cells.
Night blindness is one of the most well-documented vision symptoms of zinc deficiency. The retina requires zinc to convert vitamin A into rhodopsin, a pigment that enables vision in low light. Without adequate zinc, this conversion is impaired, and the eye becomes less sensitive to dim light. Some people with zinc deficiency also report increased sensitivity to glare or difficulty adjusting between bright and dark environments.
Zinc deficiency may also contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A landmark study from the National Eye Institute found that zinc supplementation reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD in older adults by about 25 percent. While contradictory information exists about zinc alone versus zinc combined with other antioxidants, its role in protecting photoreceptor cells and reducing oxidative stress in the retina is well established.
Sign 10: Slow Growth or Development Delays in Children
Zinc is fundamental to growth because it participates in DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein production. Children who have inadequate zinc intake during critical growth periods may experience stunted growth, delayed bone maturation, and slower sexual development.
Zinc deficiency in children is a major public health concern, particularly in developing countries. The WHO identifies zinc deficiency as a leading risk factor for growth stunting, which affects millions of children worldwide and has lifelong consequences. In developed countries, milder growth delays may be less obvious but can still affect height percentiles, appetite, and developmental milestones.
Beyond physical growth, zinc deficiency in children can affect cognitive development and school performance. Children with zinc deficiency may struggle with attention, memory, and learning, partly because zinc is essential for normal brain development and function. If a child lags in growth or development and consumes a limited diet, zinc status deserves evaluation.
Other Signs and Possible Complications
The ten signs above represent the most common indicators of zinc deficiency, but the condition can manifest in many other ways. Recognizing lesser-known signs can help you and your healthcare provider identify deficiency earlier.
- Disrupted taste perception: Some describe a persistent metallic taste in their mouth
- White spots on fingernails: May indicate long-standing zinc inadequacy, though this sign is disputed
- Impaired fertility: Zinc supports testosterone production in men and overall reproductive health
- Menstrual irregularities: Zinc participates in hormone regulation and ovulation
- Underactive thyroid: Zinc supports thyroid hormone synthesis and conversion
- Brittle nails: Thinning, ridged nails may appear with chronic deficiency
- Dry or inflamed eyes: Zinc's role in eye health extends to tear production and inflammation control
- Decreased night vision: Often one of the earliest vision symptoms
Severe zinc deficiency can lead to more serious complications, including recurrent bacterial infections, pneumonia, and impaired brain development in infants and children. It may also interact with other nutrient deficiencies, including iron, copper, or vitamin A deficiency, since these nutrients share absorption pathways and metabolic functions.
When to See a Doctor
Because zinc deficiency signs overlap significantly with other health conditions, you should not attempt to self-diagnose based on symptoms alone. If you experience several of the signs described above, particularly if they persist for more than two weeks, consider scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Seek medical evaluation sooner rather than later if you have any of the following:
- Multiple signs of zinc deficiency occurring simultaneously
- Slow wound healing that worsens or becomes infected
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of taste or smell that does not improve
- Children with poor growth, chronic diarrhea, or frequent infections
- Concurrent digestive conditions that could impair zinc absorption
A proper diagnosis matters because inappropriate zinc supplementation can cause problems, including copper deficiency and gastrointestinal distress. Your doctor can order appropriate tests and guide you toward evidence-based treatment.
Causes of Low Zinc and Risk Factors
Zinc deficiency can develop through several pathways. Understanding the causes helps you identify whether you are at elevated risk and what steps you can take to prevent deficiency.
Inadequate Dietary Intake
The most common cause of zinc deficiency is simply not consuming enough zinc-rich foods. Vegetarians and vegans face higher risk because plant-based zinc sources like legumes and whole grains are less bioavailable than animal sources. Additionally, many processed and refined foods have low zinc content.
Impaired Absorption
Even if you consume sufficient zinc, your body may not absorb it properly. Conditions that damage the intestinal lining, like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and short bowel syndrome, reduce the intestine's ability to absorb zinc effectively. Chronic diarrhea also accelerates zinc loss through the digestive tract.
Increased Requirements
Certain life stages and conditions increase your body's zinc needs. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require additional zinc for fetal development and milk production. Children and adolescents need more zinc during growth spurts. Athletes may lose zinc through sweat and require additional intake.
Medications and Other Factors
Some medications deplete zinc levels or interfere with absorption. Diuretics, ACE inhibitors for blood pressure, certain antibiotics, and acid-reducing drugs can all affect zinc status. Alcoholism is another major risk factor because alcohol impairs zinc absorption and increases urinary zinc excretion.
| Risk Factor | Why It Increases Risk | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian or vegan diet | Plant zinc is less absorbable | Phytic acid binds zinc |
| Digestive diseases | Impaired intestinal absorption | Damaged gut lining |
| Pregnancy and lactation | Increased zinc requirements | Fetal development and milk production |
| Older age | Reduced intake and absorption | Multiple factors |
| Alcohol use disorder | Poor intake and increased loss | Urinary zinc excretion |
| Sickle cell disease | Chronic inflammation and loss | Increased turnover |
| Gastrointestinal surgery | Reduced absorption capacity | Anatomical changes |
How Is Low Zinc Diagnosed?
Diagnosing zinc deficiency presents unique challenges because your body maintains zinc levels within a narrow range under normal conditions, and blood zinc levels do not always reflect total body zinc status.
The most common test is a serum or plasma zinc measurement from a blood draw. A normal serum zinc level generally falls between 70 and 120 micrograms per deciliter, though reference ranges vary between laboratories. Levels below this range suggest deficiency, and levels significantly below normal indicate more severe depletion.
However, blood zinc tests have known limitations. Zinc is primarily found inside cells, not in the blood, and blood levels can be influenced by recent meals, infections, pregnancy, and even time of day. Some people with symptoms of zinc deficiency have normal blood zinc levels, making the test potentially misleading.
More sensitive tests, such as erythrocyte zinc, leukocyte zinc, or hair mineral analysis, may provide additional insight, but these are less standardized and not universally recommended by medical authorities. As a result, doctors often rely on a combination of blood zinc levels, symptom presentation, dietary assessment, and response to a trial of zinc supplementation.
If your healthcare provider suspects zinc deficiency but your blood levels are borderline, they may recommend a short trial of zinc supplementation to see if symptoms improve. This approach serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Zinc Supplements and Safety
Zinc supplements come in multiple forms, and their absorbability varies. Zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, and zinc picolinate are widely available and generally well-absorbed. Zinc oxide is also common but is less bioavailable than the other forms. When in doubt, a registered dietitian or your doctor can help you choose a quality supplement.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc varies by age, sex, and life stage. Adult men need 11 mg per day, and adult women need 8 mg per day, increasing to 11 mg during pregnancy and 12 mg while breastfeeding. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for zinc is 40 mg per day for adults, meaning that doses above this level pose an increased risk of adverse effects.
Most zinc deficiency treatment protocols use doses of 15 to 30 mg of elemental zinc per day, but the appropriate dose depends on the severity of deficiency and your doctor's clinical judgment. Hematological and biochemical monitoring during supplementation is standard practice for more severe cases.
Copper Deficiency Risk
Long-term zinc supplementation at doses above the recommended upper limit can cause secondary copper deficiency, because zinc and copper compete for absorption in the intestine. Copper deficiency can lead to nerve damage, anemia, and impaired immune function. For this reason, we only recommend zinc supplementation under medical supervision, and your doctor may recommend a complementary copper supplement if you are taking high-dose zinc for extended periods.
Side Effects and Interactions
Zinc supplements can cause nausea and stomach upset, especially in higher doses or when taken on an empty stomach. Taking zinc with food generally reduces these effects, but keep in mind that some foods can reduce zinc absorption. Zinc also interacts with certain medications, including antibiotics and penicillamine or other chelation therapy. Always discuss supplement plans with your doctor or pharmacist.
Best Food Sources of Zinc
Food-first strategies are almost always preferable for addressing low zinc, because foods provide zinc in balanced matrix along with other nutrients that support its function. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, with about 32 to 74 mg per 100 grams, depending on the type.
Other animal sources provide highly bioavailable zinc:
- Beef, especially lean cuts
- Pork and lamb
- Chicken and turkey, especially dark meat
- Eggs
- Dairy products, including cheese
- Shellfish, particularly crab and lobster
Plant sources contain lower amounts and are less absorbed but still contribute to total zinc intake:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Lentils and chickpeas
- Beans, especially kidney and navy beans
- Tofu and tempeh
- Whole grains, especially oats and brown rice
- Cashews and hemp seeds
Zinc absorption from plant foods can be improved by preparation methods that reduce phytates, compounds that bind zinc and reduce its availability. Soaking legumes and grains, sprouting seeds, and fermenting grains can all improve zinc absorbability. Eating vitamin C-rich foods alongside plant zinc sources may also modestly improve absorption, though the evidence is not completely consistent.
Animal proteins like meat and fish enhance zinc absorption from plant foods consumed at the same meal. This observation supports dietary patterns that include both animal and plant foods unless you follow a vegetarian or vegan pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Zinc
What disease is caused by lack of zinc?
Severe zinc deficiency causes acrodermatitis enteropathica, a rare inherited disorder characterized by skin rashes around body openings, diarrhea, and hair loss. In developing countries, milder zinc deficiency contributes to childhood stunting, increased rates of pneumonia, and diarrhea. In general population, low zinc does not cause a single disease but increases risk of infections, impaired wound healing, and other health problems.
How long does it take to correct zinc deficiency?
Once zinc supplementation begins, you may start to see improvements in symptoms within 4 to 8 weeks, but full correction can take several months, depending on the severity of deficiency, your diet, and the underlying cause. For chronic deficiency or absorption problems, continued management and monitoring are necessary.
Can low zinc cause weight gain?
Low zinc more commonly causes weight loss, because it reduces appetite and impairs taste sensation. However, some people with zinc deficiency may gain weight due to the body's inability to properly metabolize and utilize nutrients, leading to an increased body mass index. It is worth noting that paying attention to diet and supplement quality is important in these cases.
How can I check my zinc levels at home?
Home tests for zinc levels are not reliable or clinically validated. Blood tests, which demonstrate zinc status, must be performed in a laboratory and interpreted by a doctor. A healthcare provider will also assess your symptoms, dietary patterns, and medical conditions to make an accurate diagnosis.
Can low zinc cause neurological symptoms?
Yes, low zinc can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including brain fog, memory issues, mood changes, and numbness or tingling. Zinc plays a structural and functional role in the brain and nervous system. Severe deficits are strongly implicated in cognitive problems, though the evidence is less definitive for mild deficiency.
What blocks zinc absorption?
Phytates in grains and legumes are the most common dietary absorption blockers. High calcium and iron intakes, especially when taken together with zinc, can also interfere with absorption. Certain medications, including acid-suppressing drugs, can reduce zinc absorption as well. Consuming these foods and supplements several hours away from zinc-rich meals can help improve absorption.
Can low zinc affect pregnancy?
Yes, adequate zinc is essential for fetal development, and zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, preterm delivery, and growth restriction. Most prenatal vitamins contain zinc to help meet increased needs.
Is zinc deficiency more common in women or men?
Men are at higher risk of zinc deficiency in the general population due to higher zinc requirements and potential lifestyle factors, but women have additional risk during pregnancy, lactation, and menopause due to fluctuations in nutrient needs.
Can too much zinc be harmful?
Yes, chronic intake above the tolerable upper limit of 40 mg per day can cause copper deficiency, neurological symptoms, immune dysfunction, and digestive problems. Acute high doses can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping. Always keep zinc supplementation within recommended limits and under the guidance of a medical professional.
Should I take a zinc supplement even if I have no symptoms?
If you eat a balanced diet that includes zinc-rich foods, supplementation is usually unnecessary. Your body absorbs zinc less efficiently when you already have adequate stores, meaning excess zinc is simply excreted. Additionally, unnecessary zinc supplementation carries the risk of copper deficiency if you take high doses long term.
What time of day should I take zinc?
Zinc is best absorbed when taken with a meal, typically lunch or dinner, to minimize the risk of nausea and improve absorption. Avoid taking zinc at the same time as iron or calcium supplements if you take these, as they can compete for absorption. It is recommended to space zinc and other mineral supplements by at least 2 hours.
Do symptoms of zinc deficiency disappear quickly after supplementation?
It varies. Some symptoms, such as improved sense of taste and appetite, may improve within 1 to 3 weeks. Hair regrowth and skin improvements often take 2 to 3 months, since hair and skin have slow renewal cycles. Consistent use of zinc as directed is the most reliable way to see improvements.
Key Takeaways: Signs of Low Zinc and Next Steps
- Zinc deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide and can present in multiple ways
- The ten most common signs are: frequent illness, hair loss, skin problems, slow wound healing, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, brain fog, appetite loss, night blindness, and slow growth in children
- These signs and symptoms overlap with many health conditions, making self-diagnosis unreliable
- Your body cannot store zinc, so regular dietary intake is essential for maintaining adequate levels
- Blood zinc tests have limitations and sometimes produce misleading results
- Zinc absorption can be affected by phytates, iron, calcium, and medications; maximize absorption by eating zinc-rich foods with vitamin C and protein, and avoiding supplements that interfere
- Long-term high-dose zinc supplementation can cause copper deficiency and other side effects
- A food-first approach to zinc is always preferable; supplements are appropriate when diet alone cannot meet needs, under medical guidance
- If you suspect low zinc, discuss your concerns with your doctor and ask about testing when appropriate
The Bottom Line
Zinc is a quiet workhorse nutrient that supports your immune system, skin, gut, brain, and growth. The signs of low zinc are often subtle and easily mistaken for other health issues, but recognizing them early can help you take steps to correct deficiencies before they affect your quality of life.
If you recognize several of the ten signs described in this article, the next step is not to buy a supplement but to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. A simple blood test, combined with your symptom history and dietary pattern, can clarify whether zinc deficiency is behind your concerns. Your provider can recommend the right form, dose, and duration of zinc supplementation if needed, and help you identify any underlying causes that must be addressed to maintain healthy zinc levels long term.
Keeping your zinc levels in check is one aspect of a broader approach to nutrition and well-being. Consuming a varied diet rich in whole foods, including poultry, seafood, legumes, seeds, and nuts, will help meet your zinc needs and provide the additional vitamins and minerals your body requires to thrive. If you are interested in exploring supplements that support immunity and overall wellness, be sure to choose high-quality products like those found in our vitamin C collection, and learn more about how other nutrients interact with zinc through our vitamin D guide or our detailed multivitamin overview.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or making significant dietary changes.
References and Further Reading
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
- World Health Organization: Guideline on Zinc Supplementation for Diarrhea Management
- Journal of Nutrition: Zinc in Wound Healing and Immunity
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Zinc and Depression/Neurological Function
- Nutrients: Zinc Deficiency in Elderly and Appetite Regulation
