Zinc is required for the synthesis of DNA. It also regulates muscle contractions and is essential for the synthesis of protein. Moreover, zinc helps in the formation of insulin. It is important for blood stability. Zinc directs the proper flow of body processes, the maintenance of enzyme systems and your cells. It has a normalizing effect on the prostate.

Excessive sweating or overweight can aggravate zinc loss from the body. Zinc plays a key role throughout your immune system. It keeps crucial immune organs like the thymus and Lymph nodes healthy and boosts the immune cells. Zinc is very important for pregnant women.

Other Benefits:

• May help protect against cancer of the esophagus and bronchial tubes and of the prostate.
• Helps post surgical wounds heal faster.
• Alone, or in combination with vitamin A, helps treat acne if your acne is caused by a lack of zinc.
• Improves potency, sperm count, and testosterone levels if problems are caused by low zinc levels.
• May protect against herpes.
• Can help treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• May block the multiplication of cold viruses so you recover more quickly.
• Helps form insulin to keep your energy stable and strong.
• Helps synthesize protein in your body.
• Helps your muscles contract smoothly.
• Boosts every area of your immune health.
• Helps you absorb your vitamins, particularly the B Team.
• Crucial for the proper development of your reproductive organs.
• For men, it helps assure the normal functioning of the prostate.
• Helps build your cell membranes and even the genetic coding, DNA.

Good for These Symptoms:

• Slow or poor wound healing
• Hair loss
• Stress
• Frequent infections

Signs of Deficiency:

• Impaired cell growth and repair.
• Effects most profound on fetuses and children.
• In the womb, deficiency may slow the natural growth of the fetus and make the newborn baby grow more slowly.
• Other signs:
  • Poor wound healing
  • Reduced sense of taste and smell
  • White spots on the fingernails
  • Mental dullness and difficulty in concentration
  • Hair loss
  • Decrease in red and white blood cells
  • More susceptibility to infections
  • Zinc very likely to be lacking in teenagers' diets
  • Drinkers are at special risk because they absorb zinc at a reduced rate
  • Mild zinc deficiency can lead to low sperm count in men
  • A more severe lack can cause the male sex glands, the testes, to atrophy
  • Many older Americans don't get enough zinc

Sources:

• Meats like
  • Round steak
  • Lamb chops
  • Pork loin
  • Liver
  • Poultry
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Seafood
• Bran
• Whole-wheat flour
• Eggs
• Whole grains
• Pumpkin seeds
• Brewers' yeast
• Wheat germ
• Non-fat dry milk
• Ground mustard
• Animal sources have more readily available zinc

RDA: 15 mg for men and women

Optimal Level: 75 mg

Maximum: 150 mg

Signs of Toxicity:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Induces copper and/or iron-deficiency anemia
• High cholesterol

Drug Interactions: Oral contraceptives can decrease zinc