Overview
A shortage usually develops slowly over months from a poor diet, trouble absorbing nutrients, heavy alcohol use, or some medicines and surgeries.
Supplements can fix it, but more is not always better.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Slow wound healing
- Low zinc
Less common
- Hair loss
- Loss of taste
- Rash
Look up a symptom: Cuts or sores that heal slowly · Loss of taste or smell · Low vitamins or minerals on a blood test, or worried about a deficiency · Low zinc · Vegan or vegetarian diet
When to get medical care
Causes
Low intake, poor absorption, alcohol, some medicines.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Heavy alcohol use
- Weight-loss surgery
- Restricted diets
- Older age
Diagnosis
A blood test usually confirms it.
Questions you may be asked
- Diet, alcohol use, stomach or weight-loss surgery
- Medicines
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Zinc level:
Treatment
Replacing the nutrient usually brings fast improvement.
Self-care
- Eat a varied diet with the foods listed above
- Take supplements as directed by your clinician
- Limit alcohol
- Ask about checks if you've had weight-loss surgery
Shots or high-dose supplements for severe shortages.
Prevention
To prevent a shortage:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Ask about supplements in pregnancy or after surgery
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- A registered dietitian can help plan meals.
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Most people recover fully once levels are restored.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- Should I take a supplement, and how much?
- What caused the shortage?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.