There is a small window for the proper level of zinc in your body. Sufficient levels of zinc play an important role in proper immune function, while deficiency has been linked to skin problems such as acne and psoriasis, as well as depression and vision problems. It can have an effect on your body's ability to absorb other nutrients such as copper and iron, and is easily found in everyday food items.
Immune Function
Sufficient levels of zinc are required to keep your immune system functioning properly, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, and those deficient in zinc are frequently open to infections. In particular, zinc supplementation may be beneficial for children in developing countries, where adequate levels of zinc are not present in available food sources. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University suggests that occurrences of childhood diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria may be reduced when zinc supplementation is implemented.
Nutrient Interactions
Improper levels of zinc can have an effect on the absorption of other nutrients in your body. Over-supplementation of zinc results in copper becoming trapped in your intestines, instead of being absorbed into your bloodstream for use throughout your body, says the Linus Pauling Institute. Zinc is also necessary for binding and transporting vitamin A in your blood, and converting it to a usable form for improved night vision. Zinc deficiency can result in a deficiency of vitamin A in your body and cause night blindness.
Deficiency
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a mild zinc deficiency can cause a myriad of problems including loss of appetite, slow growth rate, hair loss, depression, night blindness and skin issues such as acne and psoriasis. In fact, it is possible that using a topical form of zinc in combination with topical antibiotics may help alleviate acne symptoms. MayoClinic.com also suggests that a deficiency of zinc may cause a loss of your senses of smell and taste, poor wound healing and slow development of reproductive organs.
Where to Find Zinc
Unless you are suffering from acrodermatitis enteropathica, you can get sufficient amounts of zinc through your regular diet. MayoClinic.com states that zinc can be found in red meat and seafood, particularly oysters. Legumes and whole grains are also good sources of zinc. However, the Linus Pauling Institute indicates that zinc found in meat products and shellfish is more readily absorbed into your system because the amino acids present in these foods help to bind and carry it throughout your body.
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