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Zinc Deficiency

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Zinc Deficiency

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Zinc Deficiency

Zinc-zebra
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Zinc deficiency is marked by a variety of symptoms due to the fact that zinc is an essential metallic element used in over 100 enzymatic reactions. Zinc is commonly used as a stabilizer in a small protein structural motif called a zinc finger that is commonly used for binding DNA and RNA as transcription factors. Zinc deficiency can present in a multitude of ways including changes in smell, taste, hair growth, wound healing as well as hypogonadism and a perioral rash. A common population with this deficiency is severe alcoholics due to poor nutritional intake and poor absorption.
10 KEY FACTS
MECHANISM
Used in Over 100 Enzymes
Bed of Enzymes

The metallic element is essential for the functional composition of over 100 enzymes.

Zinc Finger Formation
Zinc Finger DNA-ribbon

A zinc finger is a small protein structural motif stabilized by zinc; this creates a unique three-dimensional shape that allows for protein binding. This motif is commonly used for binding DNA and RNA as transcription factors.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Delayed Wound Healing
Multiple Wounds and Bandages

Zinc is essential for several enzymes involved in wound healing. Therefore, a zinc deficiency results in the inability to properly heal, especially from superficial cuts.

Hypogonadism
Hippo-gonads

Zinc deficiency can result in hypogonadism due to poor sex hormone production.

Decreased Adult Hair
Adult with No Hair

Zinc deficiency can result in decreased hair growth, especially adult hair growth like hair in the axillary and pubic regions.

Dysgeusia
Disc-juice

One of the first signs of zinc deficiency is the distortion of taste.

Anosmia
Ant-nose-plug

Zinc deficiency can result in the inability to smell or a distinct change in olfaction.

Perioral Rash
Perioral Rash Examined by Dermatologist

Zinc deficiency can also present as a nonspecific perioral rash.

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Acorn-dermatologist and Intestine-path

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a disorder that arises from zinc deficiency. Patients display dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea. The skin is primarily affected, manifesting as blistering, dry skin, sometimes with pustule formation. These skin lesions are also at risk for secondary infection by bacterial or fungal pathogens.

Increased Risk in Patients with Cirrhosis
Up-arrow Risk C-roses-on-liver

Zinc deficiency is associated with patients who have alcoholic cirrhosis due to poor dietary intake as well as poor absorption.

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