Which symptom is a sign of zinc deficiency?

• A. Hair loss
• B. Weight gain
• C. Sleepiness
• D. Night blindness

Answer: (A)

Zinc supports many enzymes that drive cell growth and division, including those responsible for hair follicle function and keratin production. When zinc levels are low, these processes slow down, affecting the hair growth cycle and leading to hair thinning or shedding. This direct link between zinc status and hair health is why hair loss is a classic sign of zinc deficiency.

Other options don’t fit this pattern: night blindness is tied to vitamin A deficiency affecting the retina; sleepiness is a nonspecific symptom that can come from many causes; weight gain isn’t a typical or specific sign of zinc deficiency. If zinc deficiency is severe, you might also see slower wound healing, weaker immune function, and changes in taste.