Zinc Health Topic
Dietary Sources of Zinc:
Lamb, grass-fed beef, scallops, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, yogurt, turkey, shrimp, green peas.
Learn More About Zinc
Zinc is required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes and it plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, cell division, and normal growth and development. A daily intake of zinc is required as the body does not store zinc. The bioavailability of zinc from vegetarian diets is low, and phytates from beans and grains bind zinc and inhibit its absorption. Those with sickle cell disease and excess alcohol intake also have low zinc levels. The body requires zinc to develop and activate T-lymphocytes. In one study, supplementation with antioxidants plus zinc significantly reduced the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration.
Zinc is required for normal growth and development, reproductive development and function, and to support the immune system. Zinc is water-soluble and canning or cooking in water can deplete the amounts of zinc in food. Zinc is necessary to maintain normal serum testosterone. Zinc is associated with its paired mineral Potassium.
The normal human prostate accumulates the highest level of zinc of any soft tissue in the body. Several studies have implicated impaired zinc status in the development and progression of prostate malignancy. Adequate zinc levels are essential for maintaining healthy prostate cells, but zinc supplementation may not prevent already cancerous prostate cells from growing.
Data suggest that zinc deficiency occurs in PMS patients during the luteal phase, and the availability of zinc in PMS patients during the luteal phase is further reduced by the elevated copper.
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