HomeAnswersPediatricszinc

What are the signs of zinc deficiency?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have heard that zinc deficiency can be a problem, especially in children. My child has been having loose motions lately. Could this be related to a lack of zinc in their diet? What are the signs of zinc deficiency, and what foods should I include to ensure they are getting enough of this nutrient?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You are right that zinc deficiency can lead to diarrhea. Zinc deficiency can cause diarrhea or diarrhea can cause zinc deficiency. Whatever it is, a cause or the result, if deficiency is confirmed, you need to supplement it. Due to zinc deficiency, body immunity goes down and there is a chance of recurrent infection. In kids, their growth and development get affected, their behavior changes, and they may be more irritable. Skin rash appears mainly on the face, and buttocks, As far as dietary sources of zinc are concerned, almonds, bananas, and avocados are rich in zinc. Still, I recommend, that if zinc is deficient, then first give supplements and then depend on dietary sources. If your child is frequently getting loose motion, it is advisable to give zinc. I prefer to get the zinc level tested.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 1, 2024
Reviewed At July 1, 2024

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MRCPCH UK

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash Chandra Girdhar Lal Nagar is a Pediatrician, having 42 years of clinical experience. He got tremendous experience in renowned hospitals in India, including Nanavati Hospital and Nair Hospital of Mumbai. Later, he worked as a Specialist Pediatrics in a very busy 450 bedded MOH hospital in Oman for more than 10 years. He worked as Specialist Pediatrics at JCI accredited MOH hospital of UAE, and he also has vast experience in Neonatology in Oman, UAE, UK, and Canada.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.