ZINC

In life’s uncertainties and mishaps there are many occasions when our bodies need help in reimbursing its nutrients. In some instances supplements can be the determining factor in a healthy immune system and maintaining our senses. One of these beneficial supplements is Zinc, an essential mineral that found in almost every cell. In chemical terms they stimulate the process of hundreds of enzymes, which are substance that support biochemical reactions in our bodies. With the interaction of these enzymes, Zinc promotes normal growth and the development from infanthood to adolescence.

Zinc is not only found in dietary pills and nutritional prescriptions, but also in our foods. Though Oysters provide the most Zinc, it is in the popular red meat where Americas receive much of their zinc intake. Other food sources with a more minimal account of Zinc are: beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products.

The amount of zinc intake is dependent on age and gender. The average infant from age 7 months to 3 years should consume 3 milligrams of zinc each day. The child from age 4 to 8 years shall ingest 5 milligrams of zinc per day. While the adolescent from ages 9 through 13 live each day, they should obtain 8 milligrams of zinc. Males from age 14 to 18 should have 11 milligrams of zinc per day while females should have 9 milligrams. Males age 19+ should also have 11 milligrams while a female shall only have 8.

For table refer to http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/supplements/zinc.html#what

Zinc is also necessary to our bodies because it is known to be associated with the production of testosterone. It appears that Zinc, at cellular level may manage testosterone metabolism. It is also thought to control the metabolism testosterone in the prostate. A ,major factor associated with this new study is the effects on males proficiency and sex drive. Zinc has also been found to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of male infertility. Recent research done by students has shown that zinc can increase blood levels of testosterone and the follicle-stimulating hormone in men.

In today’s diet very little zinc is present and thus, supplements have been invented to give the human body the zinc it needs. The zinc supplements can be found in almost any grocery store and is very inexpensive.

Zinc also plays a large role in glucose tolerance and is closely involved with insulin. In studies of diabetics, it has become apparent that many have problems absorbing zinc and also excrete all of what they do absorb. Zinc also helps in healing wounds. It speeds up the process and in some cases has cut the healing time in half.

Zinc is found in great quantity in different types of foods. These foods include wheat brand, whole grains, and mainly oysters. The dark meat of a chicken has more zinc than the light meat. http://staff.washington.edu/griffin/zinc.txt ; http://health.yahoo.com/health/encyclopedia/002416/0.html

For table refer to http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/supplements/zinc.html#what

Zinc can also be found within us in almost very cell of the human body. It is required in order to have proper vision, taste, and smell. http://www.thehealthguide.com/articles/HGuideMinerals_Zinc767992620066B568.asp?SE=&SW=

Though extremely advantageous, Zinc can be dangerous to health if a deficiency occurs when it is taken inadequately or poorly absorbed. Sign of this may include : growth retardation, hair loss, diarrhea, delays in sexual maturity, and loss of appetite. Though the entire body suffers when deficiency occurs, it is in the immune system where severe heath related risks may take place. Depression of the immune system can even occur if deficiency is allowed to fluctuate.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. The Power of Zinc http://www.thehealthguide.com/articles/HGuideMinerals_Zinc767992620066B568.asp?SE=&SW=

2. Zinc in diet http://health.yahoo.com/health/encyclopedia/002416/0.html

3. Zinc http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/supplements/zinc.html#what

4. Zinc (Testerone and colds) http://staff.washington.edu/griffin/zinc.txt