Zinc is an important essential mineral used by the body. Only iron has a higher concentration in your body than zinc. You can find zinc in foods, as a dietary supplement and as a food additive. Zinc has a critical role in your cellular function that is responsible for the catalytic activity of almost 100 enzymes. Additionally, zinc plays a role in DNA synthesis, cell division and the health of your immune system. Your body cannot store zinc and therefore requires daily intake.
Zinc Overdose
Zinc has many benefits, but the mineral becomes hazardous to your body in high doses. There is an acute and chronic form of zinc toxicity. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," an acute form of zinc overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headaches, diarrhea and loss of appetite. A chronic zinc overdose has a more systematic effect on your body that includes a weakened immune system and the inability to absorb certain medications and minerals. Additionally, a zinc overdose adversely affects the urinary system.
Source of Zinc
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine's recommended daily allowance of zinc for adult males is 11 mg and 8 mg for females. You can obtain sufficient amounts by eating foods high in zinc, which include oysters, beef, crab, sesame seeds and tahini. You can also obtain your recommended daily allowance of zinc through supplementation or through foods fortified with zinc, such as some breakfast cereals.
Zinc Deficiency
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," many symptoms associated with zinc deficiency are also common to other conditions not associated with zinc deficiency. A medical professional should conduct a test to determine if you have zinc deficiency. Symptoms associated with a zinc deficiency include a weakened immune system, growth retardation and loss of appetite. Additional symptoms include weight loss and mental lethargy.
Benefits of Zinc
While zinc deficiencies or toxicities in your body can become dangerous to your health, your body requires zinc to function properly. Zinc helps your body improve immune function, wound healing, and interaction with iron and copper. It also helps prevent age-related macular degeneration. According to the "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments," you can also use zinc as an herbal remedy for the common cold. However, current scientific evidence does not support the claim that zinc will treat common colds.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Zinc Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route); Micromedex; November 2010
- American Cancer Society: Zinc
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper, et al.; 2004
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
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