Zinc as a nutrient
Zinc is a nutrient that plays many vital roles in your body. Because your body doesn’t naturally produce zinc, you must obtain it through food or supplements. Zinc is required for numerous processes in your body.
Function of Zinc
- Gene expression
- Enzymatic reactions
- Immune function
- Protein synthesis
- DNA synthesis
- Wound healing
- Growth and development
- Rotavirus induced Diarrhea in Children
- Treatment of PICA(Pica is an eating disorder in which people compulsively eat one or more nonfood items, such as Paper, Ice, Clay, Ash)
Sources of Zinc
Zinc is naturally found in various foods.
- Meat
- Fish
- Legumes
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Milk Products
- Eggs
- Whole Grains
- Dark Chocolate
Daily Requirement of Zinc
The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of Zinc is 10-12 mg
Zinc Deficiency Consequences
- Unexplained weight loss
- Wounds that won’t heal
- Lack of alertness
- Decreased sense of smell and taste
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Open sores on the skin
