Zinc an Essential Mineral in Your Diet

More research studies showed zinc deficiencies were reflected in a failure of growth and development, impaired wound healing, and delayed sex maturation both in animals and in man Currently under investigation is the intriguing idea that brain and behavior development may be influenced by zinc deficiencies.

Studies on animals have shown that taste acuity and appetite can be severely impaired by zinc deprivation.

Sensitivity to stress and increased aggressive behavior may also have significance in the behavior of man, although these facts have not been established.

Zinc is a "trace" mineral, or micronutrient, that is involved with at least 25 enzymes connected with digestion and metabolism and the transport and elimination of carbon dioxide from the lungs. Zinc is also a known catalyst in at least 15 biological functions, protein metabolism and insulin action.

Diets containing only small amounts of meat, fish and dairy products have significantly less available zinc. This may prove a prime deterrent in the acceptance of vegetarian diets. Diets that are rich in dairy products, meat or fish are certain to meet the requirements of zinc.

The RDA (required dietary allowance) for adults is 15 mg. and 10 mg. for children. The average American diet containing adequate amounts of meat, fish and dairy products, will supply about 15 mg. to 20 mg. daily.

There are about two grams of zinc found in the human body, and it is widely dispersed. A considerable concentration is found in the skin, eyes, hair and nails. In fact, the white spots frequently found on fingernails may indicate a zinc deficiency.

An interesting note is that increased calcium intake (which some people take to induce stronger nails) actually depresses utilization of zinc and necessitates a higher intake of dietary zinc.

Some zinc is contained in the blood with 85 per cent of it in the red blood cells, and 4 per cent in platelets and white blood cells.

The remainder is found in the serum. Many medical situations produce a lowered zinc serum level. Among these are pernicious anemia, pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, infection, cirrhosis, and women using oral contraceptives.

The following are good sources of dietary zinc: Oysters, peas, whole wheat cereals, liver, oatmeal, meat, whole wheat breads, clams, fish, corn, peanut butter, milk and egg yolk.

It should be remembered that while zinc is an essential trace mineral, now found to play a vital role in human health, it should not be taken "ad lib" as a medication, unless specified medically.