Description:
This essential mineral is important in healthy prostate function,
development of reproductive organs, healthy skin, collagen formation,
promoting a healthy immune system, and for proper taste and smell.
It protects the liver from chemical damage, and is vital for bone
formation. Zinc is essential for proper insulin activity, and works
with the antioxidants to breakdown free radicals. Sufficient intake
of zinc is needed to maintain the proper concentration of vitamin
E in the blood, and it increases the absorption of vitamin A in
the small intestine. A deficiency of zinc can lead to loss of the
senses of taste and smell, poor nail and skin quality, delayed sexual
maturity, fatigue, hair loss, impaired night vision, impotence,
increased susceptibility to infection, infertility, memory impairment,
blood sugar problems, prostate troubles, and slow wound healing.
Complimentary Nutrients:
Calcium, copper, phosphorus, and vitamin A.
Antagonists:
Oral contraceptives, alcohol, high intake of calcium, lack of phosphorus,
and phytic acid. Zinc levels can be lowered by diarrhea, kidney
disease, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and excessive perspiration.
Do not take more than 100 mg of zinc daily, it may depress
the immune system.
Health Benefits:
Burns and wound healing, blood, heart, carbohydrate digestion,
prostate gland function, reproductive organ growth and development,
vitamin B1, phosphorus and protein metabolism.
Therapeutic Uses:
Eliminates deposits of high cholesterol, infertility, alcoholism,
atherosclerosis, baldness, cirrhosis, diabetes, wound and
injury healing.
Vitamin Therapies should be done with the supervision of a qualified
health care professional. In the panel on the left, under ailments
you can find more information about treatments for some of these
conditions. You can also locate therapeutic information on this
site by using the search engine - click on 'Search' in the panel
on your left - and entering words relating to the ailment you are
interested in.
Deficiency Indicators:
Fatigue, loss of taste, delayed sexual maturity, prolonged wound
healing, retarded growth, poor appetite, and sterility.
Dosage:
| RDA |
Optimal Health |
Therapeutic Amounts |
| 15 mg |
50 mg |
80 mg |
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) are dosages developed by the
FDA. These amounts are designed to prevent deficiency symptoms.
For optimal health it is necessary to take a larger dose. The optimal
health amounts are for adults and children weighing over 100 lbs.
Children under the age of six should be given nutritional formulas
designed specifically for young children. The therapeutic amounts
to treat special conditions are usually much higher, and should
not be taken without the supervision of a qualified health care
professional.
Sources:
Zinc is found in egg yolks, fish, kelp, lamb, legumes, lima beans,
liver, meat, mushrooms, pecans, oysters, brewer's yeast, spinach,
poultry, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafood, soy beans, sunflower
seeds, and whole grains.
