Zinc

Zinc (from German Zink) is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Zn and atomic number 30.

Biological role

Zinc is an essential element, necessary for sustaining all life. It is estimated that 3000 of the hundreds of thousands of proteins in the human body contain zinc.

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Food Sources

The best and most abundant natural food source of zinc is oysters. Zinc is found in most animal proteins such as beef, pork and poultry. Other food sources of zinc include beans, nuts, whole grains, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Phytates, which are found in whole grain breads, cereals, legumes and other products, have been known to decrease zinc absorption. This, coupled with the fact that the human body absorbs zinc more easily from animal protein than from plant protein means that vegetarians are required to eat many more food sources containing zinc than non-vegetarians.

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Zinc Deficiency

Zinc deficiency in humans is often a result of inadequate intake of zinc, or inadequate absorption of zinc into the body. Signs of Zinc deficiency includes hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea, wasting of body tissues, and, eventually, death. Eyesight, taste, smell and memory are also connected with zinc and a deficiency in zinc can cause malfunctions of these organs and functions.

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Obtaining a suficient zinc intake during pregnancy and in young children is a very real problem, especially among those who cannot afford a good supply of meat and a varied diet. Brain develepment is stunted by zinc insufficiency in utero and in youth.

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There is zinc in semen. As much as half a milligram of zinc will be found in 1 mL of seminal fluid, which explains why males require a higher intake of zinc than do femaleshttp://www.thehormoneshop.com/zinc.htm#food. Zinc deficiency in males can lead to reduced sperm count and sex drive, but this is probably just a by-product of the general malaise of advanced malnutrition. There is no evidence that zinc supplements enhance male sexuality in males who have adequate general nutrition.

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Zinc Toxicity

Even though zinc is almost an essential requirement for a healthy body, too much zinc can be harmful to the human body. Excessive absorption of zinc into the human body can lead to reduced iron function, and impair the immune system. Experiments have also been conducted where the excessive intake of zinc led to nausea and vomiting within 30 minutes of ingestion.

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Psoriasis

Since Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, many naturopathic health products and topical creams used to treat psoriasis contain zinc as one of the ingredients.

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Immune System

According to some sources, taking zinc tablets may provide some immunity against colds and flu, although this is disputed. The biological basis of this is that it has been established that the immune system is impaired by zinc deficiency and so will respond to zinc supplements. The direct effect of zinc (as in lozenges) on bacteria and viruses is also well-established, and has been used since at least 2000 BC, from when zinc salts in palliative salves are documented. However, exactly how to deliver zinc salts against pathogens (germs) without injuring one's own tissues is still being investigated.

Related Topics:
Colds - Flu - Pathogen

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