Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. Zinc is a slightly brittle metal at room temperature and has a shiny grayish appearance after oxidation is removed. It is the first element in group 12 of the periodic table. It is also a key micronutrient for us, in which zinc plays critical functions in tissue growth and many other physiological processes. Zinc is needed as an element of more than 200 enzymes. Getting enough zinc can be important to health for this reason. The most important would be the part it takes in the powerful purpose of the immune mechanism and also in wound healing. There is no doubt that zinc is important for normal function as well as health and well-being. Key sources of zinc are meat, liver, eggs, oysters, peanuts, poultry, whole grains, almonds and also pumpkin seeds.
Zinc deficiency is uncommon in developed countries. Zinc deficiency is associated with many health disorders, such as long-term fatigue, growth retardation, cirrhosis, skin rash, alopecia, diarrhea, eye and skin lesions, weakened immune function, and impotence.
Before purchasing zinc supplements, it would probably be important to first determine if you are deficient in zinc. Many alternative doctors use a zinc taste test that allows you to analyze zinc deficiency. The clinical evidence for this taste test is obvious and not valid and certainly not reliable, making it completely worthless to determine if a zinc deficiency actually exists. The only way to tell if someone is zinc deficient is through a blood test.
Should one consider zinc supplements? Like any supplement, it's really a waste of money if you don't have a deficit. Our body only gets rid of zinc that is used and that it does not need. Excess zinc can do nothing to support anything and is just washed out in the urine. You cannot boost the body's immune system as well as other body functions by taking zinc supplements if your zinc levels are normal. This is one of the big myths that the supplement market promotes for financial gain. Zinc deficiency is really uncommon in developed countries, so the likelihood of anyone being zinc deficient is very low. Zinc deficiency may affect about 20% of people in developing countries. If you are concerned about this, then all you need to do is to eat foods including meat and eggs that are rich in zinc. You can also find danger in consuming too much zinc. Along with the economic cost of buying supplements you don't need, too much zinc intake reduces the absorption of copper and iron, which has consequences for the body's processes in which these elements participate. Ironically, we need zinc for healthy immune system responses, yet excess zinc could suppress the immune response. Excessive zinc intake will not boost the immune system. This is another misconception promoted by the supplement store. Zinc health supplements can also lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.
If you're really worried about your zinc levels, then see your doctor for a proper blood test rather than buying into common myths.
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