Zinc

What does it do?

Zinc is involved in a multitude of human body functions and is part of many anzyme systems. It is a component of over 200 enzymes in the body, component of DNA and RNA, it is essential for growth, important for healing, controls hormones which are messengers from organs such as testes and ovaries, aids ability to cope with stress effectively, promotes healthy nervous system and brain especially in the growing foetus, aids bones and teeth formation, and helps hair to “bloom”. It is essential for constant energy.

Deficiency Signs

Zinc deficiency is fairly common as a result of soil losses and losses in food processing, and this deficiency or depletion can produce a variety of symptoms; Poor sense of taste or smell, white marks on fingernails, frequent infections, stretch marks, acne or greasy skin, low fertility, pale skin, tendency for depression, loss of appetite.

Food Sources of Zinc

Oysters, red meats, liver, ginger root, lamb, pecan nuts, dry split peas, haddock, green peas, shrimps, turnips, brazil nuts, egg yolk, wholewheat grain, rye, oats, peanuts, almonds.

Best Supplement

Amino acid chelate, zinc citrate and picolinate are better than zinc sulphate or oxide.

What Helps Zinc in our Bodies?

Stomach acid, vitamins A, E and B6, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus.

What Robs our Bodies of Zinc?

Phytates (wheat), oxalates (rhubarb and spinach), high calcium intake, copper, low protein intake, excess sugar intake, stress, alcohol prevents uptake.