Zinc is an essential mineral to the human body. Zinc is involved in cellular metabolism as well as serving as a catalyst for approximately 100 enzymes in the human body. Zinc is important for immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis and cell division. It is necessary for normal growth and development in pregnancy, childhood and adolescence. It is also necessary for proper taste and smell. A person must have a daily intake of zinc as the body is not able to store this essential mineral.
Food Sources of Zinc
Oysters contain more zinc than any other food. The majority of zinc in the American diet comes from red meat and poultry. Beans, nuts, and grains also contain some zinc, however many of these contain phytates which bind zinc and inhibit the absorption.
Deficiency
Zinc deficiency may cause growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune function. In more severe cases, zinc deficiency causes hair loss, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation, impotence, hypogonadism in males, eye and skin lesions, weight loss, delayed healing of wounds, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy.
Groups at Risk of Deficiency
People with gastrointestinal disorders
Vegetarians
Alcoholics
Sickle cell anemia
Zinc IVs or Zinc injections
It is estimated that over one billion people in the world are deficient in Zinc! Zinc injections can help combat these deficiencies and erase the symptoms that come with low zinc.
Worried you might be low in nutrients? Contact us here to get started on your wellness journey.
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