Zinc is an important trace mineral. This element is second only to iron in its concentration in the body.
Alternative NamesDiet - zinc
FunctionZinc is needed for the body's defensive (immune) system to properly work. It plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing, and the break down of carbohydrates . Zinc is also needed for the senses of smell and taste.
Food SourcesHigh-protein foods contain high amounts of zinc. Beef, pork, and lamb contain more zinc than fish. The dark meat of a chicken has more zinc than the light meat.
Other good sources of zinc are peanuts, peanut butter, and legumes.
Fruits and vegetables are not good sources, because zinc in plant proteins is not as available for use by the body as the zinc from animal proteins. Therefore, low-protein diets and vegetarian diets tend to be low in zinc.
Side EffectsSymptoms of zinc deficiency include:
Zinc supplements in large amounts may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, usually within 3 - 10 hours of swallowing the supplements. The symptoms go away within a short period of time after the stopping the supplements.
RecommendationsThe best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.
The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for zinc:
Infants
Children
Adolescents and Adults
Specific recommendations depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing breast milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.
ReferencesInstitute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2000.
Hamrick I, Counts SH. Vitamin and mineral supplements. Wellness and Prevention. December 2008:35(4);729-747.
Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
Zinc is an important trace mineral that people need to stay healthy. This element is second only to iron in its concentration in the body.
FunctionZinc is found in cells throughout the body. It is needed for the body's defensive (immune) system to properly work. It plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing, and the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Zinc is also needed for the senses of smell and taste. During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly.
Recent information from an expert review on zinc supplements showed that:
High-protein foods contain high amounts of zinc. Beef, pork, and lamb contain more zinc than fish. The dark meat of a chicken has more zinc than the light meat.
Other good sources of zinc are nuts, whole grains, legumes, and yeast.
Fruits and vegetables are not good sources, because the zinc in plant proteins is not as available for use by the body as the zinc from animal proteins. Therefore, low-protein diets and vegetarian diets tend to be low in zinc.
Zinc is in most multivitamin and mineral supplements. These supplements may contain zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, or zinc acetate. It is not clear whether one form is better than the others.
Zinc is also found in some over-the-counter medicines, such as cold lozenges, nasal sprays, and nasal gels.
Side EffectsSymptoms of zinc deficiency include:
Zinc supplements in large amounts may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, usually within 3 - 10 hours of swallowing the supplements. The symptoms go away within a short period of time after the stopping the supplements.
People who use nasal sprays and gels that contain zinc may have side effects such as losing their sense of smell.
RecommendationsThe Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins reflect how much of each vitamin most people should get each day. The RDA for vitamins may be used as goals for each person.
How much of each vitamin you need depends on your age and gender. Other factors, such as pregnancy and illnesses, are also important. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need higher amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you
Dietary Reference Intakes for zinc:
Infants
*Adequate Intake (AI)
Children
Adolescents and Adults
The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.
ReferencesEscott-Stump S, ed. Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.
Sarubin Fragaakis A, Thomson C. The Health Professional's Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements. 3rd ed. Chicago, Il: American Dietetic Association;2007.
Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2000.
Singh M, Das RR. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Feb 16;2:CD001364.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/14/2011
Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
You can purchase zinc tablets in health stores.
yes zinc is mainly sour but don't make it part of your diet!!!
yes zinc is mainly sour but don't make it part of your diet!!!
its part of your diet ( you find it in food )
Zinc helps keep your skin clear, and helps prevent you from becoming depressed and/or stressed. Zinc helps men's sexual functioning, too.
Zinc is an element. There is nothing but zinc in zinc so nothing can be extracted from it. Zinc can be combined with other elements to make useful products. It is used in rustproofing (galvanizing) and in skin ointments (zinc oxide). Avery tiny amount of zinc is necessary in human diet.
Oyster is the best source.
Zinc, like all other metal elements, is definitely NOT recommended for eating, because it has no nutritive value and can cause problems. Small amounts of compounds of zinc are edible, however, and may be needed for a human diet.
Zincum is the same as Zinc.... There is zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate. Zinc gluconate or Zincum gluconicum is the main ingredient in Zicam and is used to shorten the duration of the common cold. Not sure what 1x or 2x mean, but there are approximately 13.3 mg of zinc in each Zicam lozenge. And a normal 2000-calorie diet delivers approximately 10mg of zinc per day.
There are many benefits that are involved with taking Zinc supplements in ones daily diet. These benefits include, but are not limited to, producing higher testosterone levels and fighting Diabetes.
Peanuts are very healthy and aids in healthy hair growth because it is rich in zinc. Zinc helps your body in scalp oil production leading to moisturized and shiny hair. You body does not store zinc so be sure your daily diet includes zinc.
Zinc as a metal is used for:zinc plating/galvanizingcoinage-currency usually alloyed with copperalloys (as brass)batteriespreparation of zinc compoundszinc rich paints - it is used as a pigment