Nutritional Overview: Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in numerous physiological functions in the human body. It is involved in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and cell division.
Role in Health: Zinc is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, supporting the body’s ability to fight off infections. It also contributes to the maintenance of skin health, taste and smell, and is necessary for proper growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Sources: Dietary sources of zinc include animal products such as meat, shellfish, poultry, and dairy, as well as plant-based foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. However, zinc from plant sources may be less bioavailable due to the presence of phytates, which can inhibit absorption.
Deficiency and Health Risks: Zinc deficiency can lead to a variety of health issues, including impaired immune response, delayed wound healing, hair loss, and growth retardation in children. It is more common in individuals with inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption disorders, or certain chronic diseases.
Supplementation and Considerations: Zinc supplements are available and can be beneficial for individuals at risk of deficiency, but excessive intake can lead to toxicity, resulting in symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. It is important to maintain a balanced intake, ideally through dietary sources.
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