Zinc ia s tress mineral required in very low amuont Zinc is considered an essential nutrient, meaning that your body can’t produce or store it.
For this reason, you must get a constant supply through your diet.
Zinc is required for numerous processes in your body, including (1):
Gene expression
Enzymatic reactions
Immune function
Protein synthesis
DNA synthesis
Wound healing
Growth and development
Zinc is naturally found in a wide variety of both plant and animal foods.
Foods that don’t naturally contain this mineral, such as breakfast cereals, snack bars and baking flour, are often fortified with synthetic forms of zinc.
You can also take zinc supplements or multi-nutrient supplements that provide zinc.
Because of its role in immune function, zinc is likewise added to some nasal sprays, lozenges and other natural cold treatments.
Zinc is necessary for the activity of over 300 enzymes that aid in metabolism, digestion, nerve function and many other processes
In addition, it’s critical for the development and function of immune cells
This mineral is also fundamental to skin health, DNA synthesis and protein production
What’s more, body growth and development relies on zinc because of its role in cell growth and division
Zinc is also needed for your senses of taste and smell. Because one of the enzymes crucial for proper taste and smell is dependent on this nutrient, a zinc deficiency can reduce your ability to taste or smell
Food Sources:
Many animal and plant foods are naturally rich in zinc, making it easy for most people to consume adequate amounts.
Foods highest in zinc include
Shellfish: Oysters, crab, mussels, lobster and clams
Meat: Beef, pork, lamb and bison
Poultry: Turkey and chicken
Fish: Flounder, sardines, salmon and sole
Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, black beans, kidney beans, etc.
Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, cashews, hemp seeds, etc.
Dairy products: Milk, yogurt and cheese
Eggs
Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, etc.
Certain vegetables: Mushrooms, kale, peas, asparagus and beet greens
Animal products, such as meat and shellfish, contain high amounts of zinc in a form that your body easily absorbs.
Keep in mind that zinc found in plant-based sources like legumes and whole grains is absorbed less efficiently because of other plant compounds that inhibit absorption
Doses:
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) quantities of zinc have been established for boys and men age 14 and older, 11 mg/day; women 19 and older, 8 mg/day; pregnant women 14 to 18, 13 mg/day; pregnant women 19 and older, 11 mg/day; lactating women 14 to 18, 14 mg/day; lactating women 19 and older, 12 mg/day. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) of zinc for people who are not receiving zinc under medical supervision: adults 19 years and older (including pregnancy and lactation), 40 mg/day.
Deficiency:
Zinc deficiency is characterized by 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, and eye and skin lesions .
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