Zinc is a metallic element essential to human health. Insufficiency shows up in a myriad of ways.
How many of the following apply to you?
1. Fatigue
2. Reduction in the ability to taste or smell
3. White spots on finger nails
4. Acne
5. Prostate enlargement
6. Slow wound healing
7. Recurrent infections
8. Hypoglycemia or diabetes
9. Weight gain, stretch marks
10. Indigestion from meats
11. Sensitivity to light
12. Perspire heavily
13. Take oral contraceptive pills
14. Under physical, mental or emotional stress
15. Difficulty conceiving
16. Eat chocolate daily
17. Disordered eating (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, megarexia, orthorexia,etc.)
18. Depression
or obsessive-compulsive disorder
19. Vegetarian diet
Functions of Zinc in the Human Body
Here are some of the many ways zinc is needed by the body:
1. Digestion. Proteins cannot be digested without enzymes and acids made from this mineral.
2. Fatty acid metabolism. Proper utilization of dietary fats.
3. Sugar metabolism. Insulin requires zinc for its manufacture.
4. Bone health. Zinc is one of many nutrients that keep bones strong enough to resist fracture.
5. Sex hormone synthesis. Low zinc will negatively affect reproductive functions in women and men.
6. Skin and Immune Health. Together with beta carotene, zinc is used to make vitamin A, necessary for wound healing and skin maintenance.
7. Mental Health. Zinc supports neurotransmitter production, which affects our moods, neuro-muscular function and ability to concentrate.
Highest dietary sources of zinc include oysters, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, eggs and meats.
Assessment of Zinc Status
Warning: blood is not a reliable place to look for this mineral! Zinc status can be more easily assessed via a ‘taste test”. All of my clients are entitled to a zinc tally assessment. This is usually done at the first appointment. If the client fails to detect the correct flavour, the client could benefit from supplemental zinc. Remember: adequate zinc (for ex., the RDI) does NOT mean optimal!
Safety of Supplementation
Zinc is one of the safest minerals to take. Unlike iron, there is no known toxicity for zinc. However, for optimal well-being, be sure to take it with food–never on an empty stomach.