Zinc Deficiency in the Elderly

Causes of Zinc Deficiency

Food insecurity, limited access to nutritious foods containing adequate zinc, and limited knowledge about proper nutrition are significant contributors to zinc deficiency in the elderly population, according to the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 1
Malabsorption syndromes, such as various digestive conditions, impair zinc uptake in the elderly, as reported by Clinical Nutrition 2
Medications commonly prescribed to the elderly can interfere with zinc absorption, highlighting the need for careful management, as noted by Clinical Nutrition 2
Chronic inflammation, common in the elderly, affects zinc metabolism and utilization, leading to increased inflammatory processes, as stated by Clinical Nutrition 2

Elderly individuals over 75 years, those with malabsorption syndromes, and individuals with chronic diseases (such as liver or renal disease) are at increased risk of zinc deficiency, as reported by Clinical Nutrition 2 and Hepatology 3
Those on medications that interact with zinc metabolism and elderly with poor dietary diversity or reliance on processed foods are also at risk, as noted by Clinical Nutrition 2

Serum zinc levels may be affected by inflammation, and the amplitude of inflammatory response should be checked by simultaneous determination of CRP, as plasma zinc decreases significantly when CRP exceeds 20 mg/L, as stated by Clinical Nutrition 2

Dietary improvement, encouraging consumption of zinc-rich foods (such as high-protein foods, dark meats, cheese, eggs, and nuts), can help prevent zinc deficiency, as recommended by the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 1
Supplementation with 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc for 3-4 months may be appropriate for acquired zinc deficiency, as suggested by Clinical Nutrition 2
Organic zinc compounds, such as zinc histidinate, zinc gluconate, and zinc orotate, show better tolerability than inorganic forms, as reported by Clinical Nutrition 2