Zinc is one of the most important minerals found in every cell of the body. It is considered to be very necessary nutrient for the body. There are several food sources of zinc and also the supplements containing it.The main sources of zinc include oysters. Its other food sources are pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, beans, many animal proteins, nuts and whole grains. Phytates is a substance which is found in cereals, legumes and grain breads might reduce the absorption of zinc.
Zinc is very useful in encouraging the biochemical reactions by exciting the activity of about 100 enzymes in the body. It is very useful in maintaining a healthy immune system, maintains the sense of smell and taste, helps in healing of the wounds, provides normal growth and development and very important for the synthesis of DNA. Zinc present in the form of salts is helpful in fighting against the pathogens. Zinc salts ingestion prevents gastrointestinal infections by providing the antimicrobial action in the GI tract. They are also useful to kill bacteria and viruses.
The deficiency of zinc in the body can result in the hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea, poor eyesight, poor taste and smell, wastage of body tissues; break down of the body organs and even death. The abnormalities due to zinc deficiency present during the birth can lead to Acrodermatitis enteropathica.As per the Recommended Dietary Allowance, the dosage of zinc depends according to the age groups. For the children with the age of 0 to 6 months, zinc dosage should be 2.0 mg per day. For the infants with the age from 7 months to 3 years, 3 mg is recommended, 5 mg for 4 to 8 years children and 8 mg for the age group of 9 to 13 years. Its dosage is 11 mg for those of 14 years or above in males and for females, it is 9 mg.
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