Description
Zinc is a mineral element found in the soil and most foods. It is an essential nutrient involved in many enzyme systems in the body. Indeed, zinc plays a role in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral. It is part of many enzymes used for the proper digestion of fats, carbohydrates and protein.
Zinc is important for phosphorus and protein metabolism, prostate gland function, reproductive organ health (particularly males), and general organ growth and development. It helps form collagen in the body, promotes healing of burns and wounds, and generally decreases healing time of both internal and external injuries. This mineral can also help maintain good taste and smell acuity.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Zinc may help prevent macular degeneration (degenerative eye disorder), acne, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, most prostate conditions and Alzheimer's disease. It may help increase mental alertness and memory. Zinc is also useful for colds, flu, and other infections.
Zinc deficiency, stemming from poor soil conditions, has been linked to Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy / Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer.
Source
Raw pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc. Other sources include mushrooms, seafood, spinach, sunflower seeds, whole grains, soy beans and legumes, lamb chops, pork loin, chicken, eggs, milk, fish, and liver.
Optimal Absorption
Eat 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds daily. Add other foods above to your daily diet.
If supplementing, take zinc acetate, chelate, gluconate, monomethionine, or picolinate on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Dosages range from 13 to 90mg daily. Zinc competes with copper, iron and calcium for absorption. It is thus best to take these minerals separately.
The following is a list of United States 1989 Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for minimum nutritional zinc intake and are included as a guideline only. These values are considered too low for most individuals, according to better nutrition authorities today. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for a dosage appropriate for your needs. Children under 6 years of age should be under the supervision of the above mentioned specialists if directly supplementing with zinc.
Infants 0 - 5 months, 5mg6 - 11 months, 5mg
Children
1 - 3, 10mg4 - 6, 10mg7 - 10, 10mg
Males
11 - 14, 15mg15 - 18, 15mg19 - 24, 15mg25 - 50, 15mg51+, 15mg
Females
11 - 14, 12mg15 - 18, 12mg19 - 24, 12mg25 - 50, 12mg51+ years, 12mg
Pregnancy
15mg
Lactation
1st 6 months, 19mg2nd 6 months, 16mg
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Zinc intake greater than 100mg daily from all sources can depress the immune system and become toxic. This may also lead to copper-deficiency anemia and reduced HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
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