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Zinc deficiency and taste disorders
1Idaho Drug Information Center, Idaho State University, Pocatello 83209, USA.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Daily elemental zinc supplementation effectively treats taste dysfunction caused by zinc depletion. However, more research is needed for taste disorders not linked to low zinc levels.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Taste dysfunction, including hypogeusia and dysgeusia, can significantly impact quality of life.
- Zinc depletion is a known cause of taste disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of elemental zinc supplementation for taste dysfunction.
- To determine if zinc supplementation is effective for taste disorders unrelated to zinc depletion.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies on zinc supplementation for taste dysfunction.
- Analysis of patient outcomes based on serum zinc concentrations.
Main Results:
- Elemental zinc (25-100 mg/day) is effective for taste dysfunction due to zinc depletion.
- Evidence is insufficient for zinc's efficacy in taste disorders from other causes.
Conclusions:
- Zinc supplementation is a viable treatment for zinc-depletion-related taste dysfunction.
- Further investigation is required for taste disorders not associated with low serum zinc.