|
This is not a medical site. Information on
this page is provided on a "best efforts" basis for interest
only and does not constitute personal advice. Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 200 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. Zinc is also key to the proper working of the immune system. Taking the recommended amounts of zinc may aid in the metabolism of vitamin D and calcium. This could help reduce bone loss, such as osteoporosis. Zinc also assists in moving vitamin A through the blood.
Zinc deficiency could lead to: · slowed growth · reduced taste, smell, and vision · poor appetite · mental lethargy · low sperm count · birth defects · impaired nerve conduction · nerve damage · poor healing of wounds · skin changes · reduced resistance to infections. Several factors can lead to a zinc deficiency. One is a high-fibre diet that contains a lot of phytates. These are found in unrefined cereal and unleavened whole grain products. Phytates bind to zinc and reduce its absorption. The leavening agents used in most breads usually deactivate the phytates. Another factor is not getting enough zinc in the diet. Vegetarians, especially vegans who do not eat meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood, may have a harder time taking in enough zinc. Taking large amounts of iron or copper in the form of supplements or from fortified foods without taking zinc, can also result in a zinc deficiency. Groups at higher risk for this are pregnant women, the elderly, and athletes. Some studies suggest that zinc may help cure the common cold or at least decrease the length of a cold. Zinc lozenges are a big seller for this reason. More research needs to be done to prove this theory. Zinc is not too toxic in doses up to 45 mg per day. Doses higher than 150 mg can cause diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. High doses can also interfere with the body's immune function. Taking doses higher than the recommended level can also prevent copper, another key mineral, from being absorbed well by the body. This can cause a copper deficiency. High doses can also reduce iron absorption. Megadoses of zinc may also lower HDL, known as the good, cholesterol levels. Taking more than the recommended amount of zinc from a supplement has no proven benefits. As noted, it can cause several risks. Eating lean meat on a regular basis will ensure the proper level of zinc intake. Vegetarians can meet the RDA for zinc by eating a variety of beans, cheese, milk, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, and soy products. The Recommended Daily Allowance, called
RDA, for zinc is 15 mg for males, age 11 and over and 12 mg for
females, age 11 and over. Pregnant women should get 15 mg. Women
who are breast feeding should get 19 mg the first six months and
16 mg the second six months. A well-balanced diet will provide about
10 to 15 mg per day. Stomach acid is important to the absorption
of zinc. Health problems or medicines that lower stomach acid could
limit the amount of zinc that the body absorbs Please click on the any of the below links to be taken to that section. Once on the product description you will be given the opportunely to purchase the relevant product
|
