Zinc: A Nutrient Vital to Health

Zinc: A Nutrient Vital to Health

Zinc is a nutrient found in cells throughout the body. Our body needs zinc for normal growth and health. Zinc is necessary for the following vital bodily functions:

  • Helps our immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses
  • Enables our body to make proteins and DNA, the genetic material in all cells
  • Supports optimal growth and development during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood
  • Helps in wound healing
  • Important for proper senses of taste and smell

In most cases, a balanced diet provides sufficient levels of zinc. Food sources of zinc include chicken, lean red meats, seafood (especially herring and oysters), peas, beans, and fortified breakfast cereals. However, some individuals are unable to get enough zinc in their regular diet or have a need for more zinc.

Zinc: A Nutrient Vital to HealthZinc supplementation may be indicated for other conditions as determined by your doctor. These include:

  • type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • eating disorders
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • intestinal disorders
  • chronic (long-term) infections
  • skin disorders
  • thalassemia (an inherited blood disorder)

For such individuals, taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement with zinc may be considered.  Consult your doctor before taking any multivitamin-mineral supplement.

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References:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/. Accessed 18 April 2020

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112. Accessed 18 April 2020

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zinc-supplement-oral-route-parenteral-route/side-effects/drg-20070269?p=1. Accessed 18 April 2020

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thalassemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354995. Accessed 18 April 2020

 

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