What Does Zinc Do for the Body?

Zinc is a vital mineral needed by the body, and it is widely present in almost every cell in our system. This essential element makes our body function normally. If you are curious to know what does zinc do for the body, you would be amaze on how zinc function in our system.

There are multitudes of tasks that zinc does. Most importantly, it boosts the immune system by helping in the production of white blood cells, particularly the T-lymphocytes. As such, we don't get sick easily. Moreover, this mineral keeps the nervous system healthy, which is needed for emotional and mental balance. Zinc also promotes wound healing, growth and development, as well as in the formation of the brain, especially during childhood, adolescence, pregnancy and lactation. What is more, zinc is a known anti-oxidant that works well alongside vitamin E.

Fortunately, zinc can be found amongst several kinds of foods. Just by eating zinc enriched foods, you will meet the recommended daily requirement that your body needs. When it comes to food sources, oyster provides the highest zinc content with 16 milligrams in 6 medium size oysters. Beef, pork, and chicken also have high amount of this mineral. Other foods that are good sources are baked beans, cashews, yogurt, almonds, walnut, beans, chickpeas, and dairy products. Also, you can purchase several zinc fortified in the market. With that said, there is no reason why a person could be deficient in zinc.

The recommended daily amount of zinc differs across ages. For instance, babies need approximately 2 mg of zinc per day, while children 4 to 8 years of age must have 5 mg/day.

Meanwhile, men and women vary in their recommended daily allowance. For men, 11 mg/day is needed, as compared to women with a slightly lower requirement of 9 mg per day. However, pregnant women should have 13 mg of zinc daily, while lactating women require 14 mg/day.

Too much or less zinc may not be good for the body. Excess zinc results to toxicity. It interferes with the absorption of other elements like iron and copper. Abdominal cramps, severe headache, vomiting, and diarrhea are the signs of toxicity.

On the other side, too little zinc can cause deficiency. The symptoms are poor wound healing, lack of appetite, weight loss, skin rashes, just to name a few.

Furthermore, ingesting of grains, rhubarb, and spinach in excess can put you at risk of zinc deficiency. Factors such as stress, alcohol intake, certain drugs, and calcium supplements can result to deficiency too.