Severe Zinc Deficiency in Male and Female Rats
May 1968
in “
The journal of nutrition/The Journal of nutrition
”
Studysummary This study found that severe zinc deficiency induced in weanling rats led to growth retardation, hair issues, and dermal lesions, all of which were completely reversed by zinc supplementation.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The 1968 study on severe zinc deficiency in male and female weanling rats found that a diet with minimal zinc led to extreme growth retardation, immature hair or alopecia, dermal lesions, and tissue damage, but did not significantly alter liver enzyme activities. Zinc supplementation completely reversed these symptoms, underscoring zinc's essential role in growth, development, bone composition, and reproductive health. The study suggested a dietary zinc requirement of at least 100 ppm for rats on isolated soybean protein diets.
