TLDR Zinc is crucial for animal health, and diets often need zinc supplements to prevent deficiency.
Zinc was recognized as an essential trace element for both humans and animals, playing numerous vital roles in the body. Zinc deficiency could lead to various symptoms, including growth depression, reproductive issues, skin lesions, immune system weakening, delayed wound healing, and hair loss. Severe zinc deficiency was rare in animal nutrition, but marginal undersupply was more common and could be influenced by factors like diet, drugs, and diseases. It was recommended that livestock diets contain 50 mg/kg of zinc, with piglets requiring twice that amount, often necessitating supplementation due to low zinc content or availability in conventional feeds. Diagnosing marginal zinc deficiency through serum or hair analysis was ineffective, with biochemical criteria such as alkaline phosphate activity and serum zinc binding capacity being more reliable indicators.
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April 2023 in “Journal for Research in Applied Sciences and Biotechnology” Zinc is important for growth and health in animals, plants, and humans, and not having enough can cause various problems.
79 citations
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January 2017 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual” Correcting nutrient deficiencies may help with hair loss, but the benefits of supplements without a deficiency are uncertain and could be harmful.
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January 2010 in “Springer eBooks” Certain micronutrients may improve hair and nail health, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” The document is a detailed medical reference on skin and genetic disorders.
2 citations
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July 1998 in “Dermatologic Clinics” European dermatologic treatments focus on lifestyle and psychosocial factors, use diverse methods like baths and climate therapy, and emphasize the importance of diet and supplements for skin health.
June 2015 in “Journal of the turkish academy of dermatology” Eating the right foods is important for skin health and can help treat some skin conditions.