SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Lost Senses, Found Deficiency: A Case of Anosmia Linked to Hypozincemia

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This case report describes a 78-year-old man with a two-year history of anosmia and ageusia that began after a presumed COVID-19 infection and significantly affected his quality of life, appetite, and enjoyment of food. He had comorbid uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, and despite otolaryngology evaluation and taste testing, his symptoms did not improve.<br /><br />Because the sensory loss persisted, clinicians broadened the workup beyond post-viral causes and considered nutritional deficiency. Standard metabolic and heavy metal testing was normal, but serum zinc was low at 57 mcg/dL, indicating hypozincemia. Although he was already taking zinc supplements, they were likely ineffective because he took them with food and other medications, which can reduce absorption.<br /><br />The report highlights zinc’s essential role in olfactory and gustatory function, including enzyme activity, receptor regeneration, and neurotransmission. Zinc deficiency can contribute to prolonged smell and taste loss, and common causes include malabsorption, chronic disease, certain medications, and inadequate intake.<br /><br />Management focused on optimizing zinc replacement and educating the patient on proper timing of supplementation to improve absorption, while also monitoring for potential complications such as copper deficiency. The case emphasizes that persistent anosmia and ageusia should not be assumed to be solely post-viral, even after COVID-19, and that clinicians should assess reversible contributors such as micronutrient deficiencies.<br /><br />Overall, the report underscores the importance of checking serum zinc in chronic smell and taste disorders and using interdisciplinary care to address potentially treatable causes of symptoms.

Asset Subtitle

Malik Alqawasmi

Meta Tag

Author List Jeanne Lunz, Malik Alqawasmi

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Zinc

Concept Zinc Deficiency

Concept Olfactory Function

Concept Gustatory Function

Concept Anosmia

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of New Mexico

Presenting Author Malik Alqawasmi

Track Adult

Keywords

anosmia

ageusia

zinc deficiency

hypozincemia

COVID-19

olfactory dysfunction

gustatory dysfunction

micronutrient deficiency

serum zinc

zinc supplementation

Zinc

Zinc Deficiency

Olfactory Function

Gustatory Function

Anosmia