White Spots on Fingernails, Cuts Heal Slowly, Decreased Sense of Taste / Smell

These are all symptoms of zinc deficiency. Zinc is an essential mineral tot he body and is involved in the following functions in the body:

1. Wound healing
2. Enhancing immune function
3. Anti-inflammatory
4. Promoting conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine

Zinc should be supplemented along with a general multiple mineral supplement deficiency is often accompanied by deficiencies in other minerals, including magnesium, selenium and potassium.

Reference: Weatherby, D. (2004). Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective. Jacksonville, OR: Bear Mountain Publishing