Zinc Supplements

I myself take Zinc Supplements, but it’s optional for me however as my diet on most days covers the recommended Zinc intake.

I’ll only add Zinc to my supplement shopping spree if I’ve the extra cash.

But still it is a supp not to be miss if you’re lacking Zinc which can cause Hypozincemia.

Hypozincemia is a condition where insufficient zinc is available for metabolic needs.

In fact, one-third of the world population is at risk of zinc deficiency, ranging from 4 to 73% depending on the country.

Zinc deficiency is typically the result of inadequate dietary intake of zinc, disease states that promote zinc losses, or physiological states that require increased zinc.

Populations that consume primarily plant based diets that are low in bioavailable zinc often have zinc deficiencies.

Signs of zinc deficiency include hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea, and wasting of body tissues. It is rarely recognised that lack of zinc can contribute to acne. Eyesight, taste, smell and memory are also connected with zinc.

A deficiency in zinc can cause malfunctions of these organs and functions. Congenital abnormalities causing zinc deficiency may lead to a disease called acrodermatitis enteropathica.

One easily recognized sign which may be caused by zinc deficiency is white spots, bands, or lines on fingernails (leukonychia).

Zinc deficiency may cause a decrease in appetite which can degenerate into anorexia or anorexia nervosa.

Cognitive and motor function may also be impaired in zinc deficient children. Zinc deficiency can interfere with many organ systems especially when it occurs during a time of rapid growth and development when nutritional needs are high, such as during infancy.

Zinc deficiency contributes to an increased incidence and severity of diarrhea and pneumonia.

In the U.S., the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men. Median intake in the U.S. around 2000 was 9 mg/day for women and 14 mg/day in men.

However, harmful excessive supplementation is a problem among the relatively affluent, and should probably not exceed 20 mg/day in healthy people

Red meats, especially beef, lamb and liver have some of the highest concentrations of zinc in food. Zinc is also found in beans, nuts, almonds, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and blackcurrant.