Zinc (NLOSS)

Patient Information Factsheet

North London Obesity Surgery Service (NLOSS)

What does zinc do?

• Zinc is a mineral your body needs to work properly. It helps with hundreds of tiny chemical reactions that keep you healthy.
• Zinc is important for keeping your immune system strong so you can fight off sickness.
• It also helps your body stay balanced, digest food, grow and develop, and keep your skin and hair healthy.
• Zinc even helps your body protect itself and follow the instructions in your genes.

What happens if my zinc is low/if I do not get enough zinc?

• Zinc helps many different parts of your body.
• Because of that, if you don't get enough zinc, there isn't just one clear sign.
• Different parts of your body might be affected in different ways.
• Some common symptoms include:
  • losing or reduced sense of smell and taste
  • wounds that heal slowly
  • hair loss
  • skin rashes or rough skin
  • low sex drive in men
  • mouth ulcers
  • lethargy (feeling very tired)
  • nails that look damaged or misshapen
• If symptoms get worse, there can be serious problems with the immune system, very bad diarrhoea, severe hair loss (even losing all hair), trouble seeing at night, and a rash around the mouth and private parts (genitals).

What are other symptoms?

• Infections - especially infections of the skin, lungs, stomach and bowels, and urine.
• Metallic taste in mouth.
• Cracks or splits in the lips, and lips that are dry and peeling.
• Not feeling hungry or losing your appetite.
• Problems with the prostate gland (a small gland in men that can affect urination (peeing) and other functions. Please ask your Doctor for further information on this.
• Irregular periods (periods that do not come at regular times).

Where can I get zinc?

• Zinc is found in many different foods.
• Some of the best sources include shellfish, other seafood, meat, dairy products, legumes (beans, peas, lentils), nuts and seeds.
• It is also found in most multivitamins and in dietary supplements.
• Zinc can be absorbed better if you take it with a meal that has lots of protein.
• If you know you have a problem absorbing fat, it may be better to take zinc on an empty stomach.
• If you are taking a separate zinc supplement for zinc deficiency (low zinc levels), it is best to take it separately from calcium and iron supplements.

Important information

• Too much zinc can be bad for your body and make you unwell.
• Taking too much zinc can cause problems with your stomach and kidneys.
• Too much zinc can use up the copper (an important mineral) your body needs.
• Only take a high dose of zinc if your Doctor tells you to, and only for as long as they say.
• You will be given appointments for blood tests after you have finished taking the high dose. You must attend these tests appointments.

Further information

Please visit the NHS website www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/

Contact our service

Should you need more information, please contact our Specialist Bariatric Dietitians on 0207 288 5989, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.