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What is Zinc?
Zinc has been known to be an
essential mineral. It is found in almost every cell in the
body and is contained within more than 200 enzymes,
substances needed for biochemical reactions.
What Does
in the Body?
Zinc is an essential nutrient,
and is a very important mineral that is involved in a wide
range of metabolic activities.
It is required in the healing of injuries, and is necessary
for growth and development, hair growth, insulin production,
immunity, smell, taste, and fertility.
Zinc also supports
normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood,
and adolescence.
Where is it Found?
Zinc can be found in many of today's foods, and a good
source of zinc is oysters, meat, liver, wheat germ, pumpkin
seeds, sunflower seeds, whole grains, and almonds. The recommended daily
dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient
requirements of zinc in milligrams (mg), are: 15 mg for
adult men and 12 mg for adult women; 15 mg for pregnant ; 19
mg for lactating .
Symptoms Of Deficiency/Side Effects
Since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also
lost in cooking. A deficiency will result in an
under-performing immune system, open to infections,
allergies, night blindness, loss of smell, falling hair,
skin problems, sleep disturbances.
Men with zinc shortage may have a problem with fertility,
while women may experience irregular periods. Children with
too little zinc may have stunted growth and slow sexual
maturity. |
