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Question:
I have noticed a gradual loss in my sense of smell and taste. I am 82 years old. In talking to other people my age, they seem to have noticed the same thing. Is this simply a matter of getting older or can it be reversed?
Answer:
Zinc supplementation may help. Zinc is essential for the maintenance of vision, taste and smell. A zinc deficiency results in impaired functioning of these senses. The loss of the sense of taste and smell is a common complaint in older people that may simply reflect low zinc levels as zinc supplementation has been shown to improve sensory acuity in these patients.
Several studies have also shown that zinc supplementation can prevent or correct taste abnormalities caused by radiation therapy in patients with cancers of the head and neck region. I tried this approach with Margo, a 59-year old woman who had radiation therapy for a tumor in her neck. Margo had lost virtually ninety-five percent of her sense of smell. With zinc supplementation (45 mg of elemental zinc daily), she was once again able to smell the roses in her garden.
Give zinc a try - the typical dosage recommendation is 30 to 45 mg daily.
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