Zinc, a vital nutrient, plays important roles in growth and development, immune response, reproduction, and neurological function.
This mineral may benefit age-related degenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Zinc deficiency appears to play an important role in the onset of many illnesses, including autoimmune diseases. Research has also found an association between low zinc levels in the blood and depression.
Who Is at Risk for Zinc Deficiency?
Zinc cannot be stored in the body in significant amounts so you must obtain it regularly through food or supplementation. In developed countries, zinc deficiency may occur in the elderly, vegans, pregnant and lactating women, and those with alcohol dependency. People with sickle cell disease or chronic gastrointestinal disorders (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) may also be at risk.
Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency
Common symptoms of zinc deficiency include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, hair loss, frequent colds, white spots on fingernails, and wounds that don't heal well. People suffering from zinc deficiency may also notice a reduced ability to taste or smell food.
How to Get Enough Zinc
Common in cold lozenges and remedies, zinc occurs naturally in certain foods like fish, red meat, oysters, cashews, and yogurt.
This trace mineral is almost always found in multivitamin/mineral dietary supplements. Multiple forms of zinc are available, including zinc sulfate, zinc acetate, and zinc gluconate.
