Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell of the
human body. Zinc seems to stimulate the activity of a number of
enzymes. It supports a healthy immune system, is required for the
healing of wounds, it helps maintain our senses of taste and smell,
and is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc is also important for normal
growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.
It has been shown that
vegetarians may need as much as 50% more zinc than non-vegetarians
because of the lower absorption of zinc from plant foods, so it is
very important for vegetarians to include good sources of zinc in
their diet. Zinc supplementation has been shown to improve growth rate
in some children who demonstrate mild to moderate growth failure and
who also have a zinc deficiency. Low zinc levels have been observed in
30%-50% of alcoholics. Alcohol consumption decreases the absorption of
zinc and increases loss of zinc in urine. Diarrhea can also result in
a loss of zinc. Individuals who have had gastrointestinal surgery or
who have digestive disorders that result in the loss of absorption of
zinc, are at greater risk of a zinc deficiency. Individuals who
experience chronic diarrhea should make sure they include sources of
zinc in their daily diet and may benefit from zinc supplementation.
The effect of zinc on
cold symptoms is controversial. One study indicated that zinc lozenges
decreased the duration of colds by one-half. In other studies, the
zinc preparations affected the severity of cold symptoms in the first
3 days of treatment. Additional research is needed to determine
whether zinc compounds have any effect on the common cold.
Signs of a deficiency
of zinc include hair loss, diarrhea, growth retardation, delayed
sexual maturation and impotence, eye and skin lesions, and loss of
appetite. Since these symptoms are rather general and can be
associated with other medical conditions, its important to consult
with your doctor about these symptoms so that appropriate care can be
given. They may be due to other illness or deficiencies rather than
zinc.
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