Zinc

Essential for

energy production
manufacture of genetic material
detoxification of chemicals, including alcohol healthy immune and reproductive systems hormone production
normal growth and development
healthy brain, teeth, bones and skin

Absorption and metabolism

This ranges from 20 to 40 per cent of dietary zinc.

Deficiency

Symptoms include skin problems, fetal abnormalities, reproduc- tive defects, cardiovascular disease, immune deficiency, loss of eye function and osteoporosis.

Sources

These include seafood, meat and whole grains.

Daily recommended dietary intakes

    Men                        15 mg

    Women                   12 mg

    Pregnancy              15 mg

    Lactation                19 mg

     Toxic effects of excess intake

Toxic effects include vomiting, diarrhea, immune problems and heart disease.

Interactions

Zinc and copper interact in many body functions. Zinc helps the body to use vitamin A.

Therapeutic uses of supplements

Zinc supplements are often given to diabetics and pregnant women. They are also used to treat immune deficiency, the com- mon cold, skin disorders, infertility, arthritis, taste disorders, macular degeneration, digestive diseases, prostate problems and to promote wound-healing.

Cautions

Large amounts of zinc may impair copper absorption.

Zinc
Zinc health
Zinc absorption
Zinc sources
Zinc deficiency
Zinc overdose
Zinc supplements
Zinc interactions

Other Minerals:

Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Electrolytes
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Fluoride
Iodine
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Phosphorus
Selenium
Silicon
Sulfur
Vanadium
Zinc