5B5K.2

ICD-11 MMS 2026-01

Zinc deficiency

Description

The clinical features of severe zinc deficiency in humans are growth retardation, delayed sexual and bone maturation, skin lesions, diarrhoea, alopecia, impaired appetite, increased susceptibility to infections mediated via defects in the immune system, and the appearance of behavioural changes. The effects of marginal or mild zinc deficiency are less clear. A reduced growth rate and impairments of immune defence are so far the only clearly demonstrated signs of mild zinc deficiency in humans. Other effects, such as impaired taste and wound healing, which have been claimed to result from a low zinc intake, are less consistently observed.

Index terms

  • Zinc deficiency
  • Hypozincaemia
  • dietary zinc deficiency

Exclusions from above levels

  • 5C64 – Disorders of mineral absorption or transport
  • 1C62.3Y – slim disease
  • 6B80 – Anorexia Nervosa
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  • DA96.0 – Intestinal malabsorption
  • NF07.0 – starvation
  • 18 – Pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium
  • http://id.who.int/icd/entity/1004987305 – Transitory endocrine or metabolic disorders specific to fetus or newborn

Sibling codes

  • 5B5K.0 – Iron deficiency
  • 5B5K.1 – Calcium deficiency
  • 5B5K.3 – Iodine deficiency
  • 5B5K.4 – Fluorine deficiency
  • 5B5K.5 – Sodium chloride deficiency
  • 5B5K.6 – Copper deficiency
  • 5B5K.7 – Selenium deficiency
  • 5B5K.8 – Chromium deficiency
  • 5B5K.9 – Manganese deficiency
  • 5B5K.A – Molybdenum deficiency
  • 5B5K.B – Vanadium deficiency
  • 5B5K.Y – Other specified mineral deficiency
  • 5B5K.Z – Mineral deficiency, unspecified

Foundation entity

Zinc deficiency – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/507702177

Part of: 5B5K: Mineral deficiencies › 05: Endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases