DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have had a loss of taste since March 1970. I saw many write-ups about a particular physician finding a cure for the problem. My understanding was that he used zinc. However, I wrote to him and his answer was to have my doctor contact him. My personal physician did so, with no response. Is there anything at this late date that can be done?
DEAR READER:
There are several known causes for a loss of smell or taste, including sinus infection, allergies, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and stroke. Some medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and chemotherapy have been linked to a loss of smell. Then, there’s zinc, an essential nutrient in the body. A zinc deficiency is marked by a loss of smell and taste, poor appetite, abnormal weakness, slowed growth, slow wound healing, and a greater risk of infection.
Several conditions can develop with a zinc deficiency, including Hodgkin’s, cystic fibrosis, ulcers, heart attack, and liver disease.
Diet plays an important role in all vitamins and minerals and zinc can readily be consumed in adequate amounts when meats, eggs, seafood, nuts, peanut butter, milk, whole grain cereals and vegetables with pods are consumed.
If a deficiency remains, a zinc supplement in amounts not to exceed 50 mg daily can be taken. The supplement should also contain copper, as more than 15 mg daily can lead to a depletion of that nutrient.
I am unaware of why you lost your sense of taste 38 years ago. You can certainly request to have your zinc level tested to determine if there is a deficiency. You might be pleasantly surprised if it works.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Vitamins and Minerals”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
