What adverse effect is associated with zinc deficiency?

Zinc deficiency is associated with a range of adverse effects, one of which is chronic diarrhea. Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and is vital for immune function. When zinc levels are insufficient, it can lead to disruptions in gut health, increasing susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections, and can impair the absorption of nutrients, resulting in diarrhea. This can become chronic if the deficiency persists, leading to ongoing gastrointestinal issues.

In contrast, the other options are less directly linked to zinc deficiency. While zinc is involved in various metabolic processes, it does not specifically cause constipation, hypertension, or weight gain as a direct consequence of deficiency. Therefore, chronic diarrhea emerges as a recognizable and documented adverse effect of insufficient zinc levels.