Zinc

Zinc is found in every cell in our bodies and is a component in over 200 enzymes.  It is necessary for the functioning of many body hormones.  The average adult body contains 1.4 to 2.5 grams of zinc stored primarily in the muscles as well as in the red and white blood cells.  High concentrations may also be found in the bone, skin, kidney, liver, pancreas retina and prostate.

Food Sources

Oysters are considered the best source for zinc; however, there are many foods where zinc is found in high concentrations.

Oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger root, pecans, dry split peas, brazil nuts, whole wheat, rye, oats, peanuts, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, buckwheat, hazel nuts, green peas, turnips, parsley, potatoes, garlic, carrots, whole-wheat bread, black beans.

Deficiency Signs

Frequent or severe infections

Sleep and behavioral disturbances

Delayed healing

Psychiatric illness

Inflammatory bowl disease

Impaired glucose tolerance

Malabsorption syndromes

Reduced appetite, anorexia

Growth retardation

Loss of sense of smell or taste

Delayed sexual maturation

Night blindness

Impotence, infertility

All dermatological disorders

Abnormal menstruation

Dandruff and hair loss

Alcohol abuse

Connective tissue disorder

Diuretic usage

Rheumatoid arthritis

Testicular atrophy

Mouth ulcers

White coating on the tongue

Marked halitosis

White spots on the fingernails

Beneficial Effects

Immune unction, wound healing, sensory functions, sexual function and skin health.  It is required for protein synthesis and cell growth.  Essential for maintenance of vision, taste, and smell.  Is critical to healthy male sex hormones and prostate function and normal skin function.

Zinc Deficiency

Anorexia nervosa

Fad diets

Protein deficiencies

Vegetarianism

Alcoholic cirrhosis

Old age

Acute infections

Alcoholism

Increased body loses

Some health conditions associated with decreased zinc absorption:

Diabetes mellitus

High fiber diet

High dietary calcium/zinc ratio

High dietary iron/zinc ratio

Alcoholism

Chelating agents

Acrodermatitis enteropathica

Dialysis

Achlorhydria/hypochlorhydria

Hepatic disease

Celiac disease

Inflammatory bowel disease

Diarrhea

Intestinal resection

Chronic blood loss

Short bowel syndrome

Pancreatic insufficiency