Zinc

Zinc is one of the most important trace elements, playing a vital role in many body processes including genetic communication and protection of the immune system. White spots on the fingernails and certain skin conditions suggest a zinc deficiency.

What are the functions of Zinc?

Zinc is:

required for more than 200 enzyme activities in the body,
the principle protector of the immune system,
crucial in the structure and function of the cell membrane,
essential for male fertility,
required for hormones, growth, energy metabolism and hemoglobin,
necessary for the storage of insulin,
needed for the transportation of carbon dioxide,
required for postaglandian synthesis,
required for the synthesis of collagen,
necessary for vitamin A metabolism and distribution,
needed for the detoxification of alcohol,
important for the prevention of cancer,
needed to prevent blindness associated with aging, and
an antioxidant.

What are the signs and symptoms of a zinc deficiency?

Some of the signs and symptoms of a zinc deficiency include:

white spots on the fingernails,
skin rashes, acne,
poor hair growth and abnormal hair loss,
anorexia,
depression, irritability, mental illness,
underfunctioning sex glands,
lethargy,
infertility in men,
poor growth in children,
slow wound healing, and
impaired senses of taste and smell.

Food sources of zinc

The following are good sources of zinc: offal meat, mushrooms, seeds, nuts, oysters, eggs, wholegrain products and brewer's yeast.

Therapeutic uses

Zinc is used in the following conditions:

male infertility,
acne,
mouth ulcers,
viral infections (including the common cold),
herpes,
recovery from surgery,
tinnitus,
thyroid function,
immune system problems,
cancer,
allergies, and
alcoholism.

Dosage

Take with a good multivitamin and mineral supplement daily, 15 to 30 mg is useful. Increase copper, iron and selenium if taking more zinc than that level.

Special notes

Zinc is considered to be non-toxic, although very high doses may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Women who are pregnant or breast feeding will have increased zinc requirements.

Chronic illness, surgery and infections require extra zinc in order for healing to take place.

Zinc deficiencies may be high in those taking the contraceptive pill or taking iron or folic acid supplements.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Crawford, M. 1999, Minding Our Minerals. Healthy & Natural Journal.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.