Individuals with eating disorders are at risk for zinc deficiency due to malnutrition. Zinc is essential for myriad functions in the human body, including: immune system, wound healing, taste, protein production, processing of other chemicals, maintenance of insulin levels, etc. Zinc deficiency leads to potential complications including: skin rashes, hair loss, decreased senses of taste and smell, delayed fetal development, nerve damage and birth defects. Zinc deficiency, even for a short time period during adolescence, can inhibit bone growth thereby increasing the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. See biochemical imbalance. Keywords: define Zinc eating disorder If you came to the F.E.A.S.T. Eating Disorders Glossary from a page on the F.E.A.S.T site, click the "go back" button in your internet browser to return to that page; if not, we welcome you to visit the FEAST home page for a wealth of information on evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, support for parents and families, the latest eating disorders research, a forum for parents and caregivers, useful books, etc. |