Zinc
Zinc is an important trace element that is required for optimal immune function, growth and repair, hormone production, wound healing, and acts as an antioxidant.
Zinc is an important trace element that is required for optimal immune function, growth and repair, hormone production, wound healing, and acts as an antioxidant.
Zinc is an essential
mineral that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available
as a dietary supplement. Zinc is also found in many cold lozenges and some
over-the-counter drugs sold as cold remedies.
Zinc is involved in
numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for the catalytic
activity of approximately 100 enzymes and it plays a role in immune function,
protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc also
supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence
and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. A daily intake of zinc is
required to maintain a steady state because the body has no specialized zinc
storage system.
diet rich in Zinc:
Oysters, Meat (lamb, pork, beef, chicken), Lobsters, Pumpkin seeds, Yogurt, Chickpeas, Cashews.
Deficiency Symptoms:
Impaired neurological function, Impaired immunity, Growth retardation, Food allergy, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal problems (abdominal pain, diarrhea, anorexia, glossitis), Skin problems (alopecia, dermatitis, acne, stomatitis), Hormone imbalances.
Diagnosis:
Zinc deficiency can be diagnosed by conducting a
blood test, which measures its level in the serum or plasma. The test is
important because zinc is not stored in the body and can fluctuate with time,
so it must be measured directly as and when required.
Treatment:
Zinc deficiency can be treated by multivitamin
supplements in which the element may be present as gluconate,
acetate or sulfate.
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