All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Zinc deficiency leads to cancer
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
A new study by scientists has shed light for the first time on the biological mechanism by which zinc deficiency with age leads to decreased immunity and an increased risk of developing diseases such as heart failure, cancer, autoimmune diseases and diabetes.
Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University began studying this process.
Experts say that tinnitus, dizziness and fragile skin capillaries are possible consequences of zinc deficiency in the body, so it is very important to monitor your diet, which should include foods rich in this element.
According to research reports, about 40% of older Americans and approximately 2 billion people worldwide get less zinc from food than their bodies require.
The scientists' research included studying this biological process in laboratory animals. It turned out that in older animals, the regulation of the zinc transmitter was severely disrupted. Even if the subjects received an adequate dose of zinc with food for their age, an extensive inflammatory process was still observed. But when this dose was increased 10 times, the biomarkers of the elderly animals became the same as those of young individuals.
"Older adults are deficient in zinc, which is a risk factor for many diseases," said lead author Emily Ho. "But the problem is that as they age, their bodies lose the ability to absorb zinc as quickly as younger people."
Previous studies have shown that deficiency can cause DNA damage, and the results of this study demonstrate how this can lead to systemic inflammation.
"Inflammation is a normal, natural, and periodic process in the body, but when inflammation goes beyond the normal range, it can be a sign that the body is trying to fight off diseases, such as heart disease or cancer. These processes are evidence that something is wrong in the body," the researchers say.
Taking into account the data obtained, experts recommend that older people take nutritional supplements, the daily dose of which for men is 11 milligrams, and for women – 8.
Zinc is very rich in seafood and meat, as well as vegetables and grains.
Experts have found that disruption of zinc transport mechanisms is caused by age-related epigenetic changes, which in turn can lead to DNA methylation and histone modifications. These changes are associated with many diseases, especially cancer.
[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ]