deficiency, zinc

deficiency, zinc A lack of zinc that is associated with short stature, anemia, increased pigmentation of skin, enlarged liver and spleen, impaired gonadal function, impaired wound healing, and immune deficiency. The diagnosis is with an abnormally low blood zinc level. One form of zinc deficiency is the hereditary skin disease acrodermatitis enteropathica. Treatment involves ensuring intake of the recommended dietary allowance of zinc, currently recommended 12 mg per day for women and 10 mg per day for men. Food sources of zinc include meat, eggs, seafood, nuts, and cereals. Longstanding zinc deficiency can lead to chronic diarrhea and inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). See also acrodermatitis enteropathica.