Definition
Zinc is an important trace mineral. This element is second only to iron in its concentration in the body.
Overview & Functions
Zinc is needed for the body's defensive (immune) system to properly work. It plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing, and the break down of carbohydrates . Zinc is also needed for the senses of smell and taste.Food Sources
High-protein foods contain high amounts of zinc. Beef, pork, and lamb contain more zinc than fish. The dark meat of a chicken has more zinc than the light meat.Other good sources of zinc are peanuts, peanut butter, and legumes.
Fruits and vegetables are not good sources, because zinc in plant proteins is not as available for use by the body as the zinc from animal proteins. Therefore, low-protein diets and vegetarian diets tend to be low in zinc.
Recommendations
The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends the following dietary intake for zinc:
Infants
- 0 - 6 months: 2 milligrams per day (mg/day)
- 7 - 12 months: 3 mg/day
Children
- 1 - 3 years: 3 mg/day
- 4 - 8 years: 5 mg/day
- 9 - 13 years: 8 mg/day
- Males age 14 and over: 11 mg/day
- Females age 14 to 18 years: 9 mg/day
- Females age 19 and over: 8 mg/day
Side Effects
Symptoms of zinc deficiency include:- Frequent infections
- Hypogonadism in males
- Loss of hair
- Poor appetite
- Problems with the sense of taste
- Problems with the sense of smell
- Slow growth
- Trouble seeing in the dark
- Various skin lesions
- Wounds that take a long time to heal
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