Zinc has a variety of critical roles in your body, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. It helps with cell metabolism and can help promote muscle growth and hormone health. Zinc is attained primarily through diet since your body is unable to produce it. Arginine is an amino acid that is required by your body for the production of protein. It is also important for immune system health and helps to repair wounds. Arginine is considered semi-essential because your body usually makes enough to use for daily functions.
Function of Zinc
Zinc is required during the activity of roughly 100 different enzymes. Zinc also helps the body make new cells and plays an important role during DNA synthesis. During pregnancy, growing fetuses require proper amounts of zinc to help with growth and development. Since your body cannot create zinc on its own, you'll have to obtain it through dietary means. Excellent sources of zinc include meat, seafood, nuts and legumes.
Zinc Deficiencies
Zinc deficiencies can lead to serious health issues. Some of the symptoms of a zinc deficiency can include a weakened immune system, impotence, lesions on the skin or eyes, mental lethargy and a delay in wound healing. For a fetus, a zinc deficiency can cause retardation and lead to delayed sexual maturation. People who are have the highest risk for a zinc deficiency include vegetarians, pregnant women, people with sickle-cell anemia and those with gastrointestinal disorders.
Function of Arginine
Arginine plays a vital role in cell division and is one of the 20 most common amino acids found in your body. Arginine also plays an important role in your body's hormone-release function. This makes it an important mineral for speeding up the healing of wounds, especially injuries to bone. Arginine also helps with the removal of ammonia and maintains proper immune system functions, according to MedlinePlus. Arginine causes blood vessels to dilate, making it a useful component in the treatment of angina, hypertension and heart disease. Your body can produce enough of the amino acid on its own so dietary recommendations are not available.
Arginine Deficiencies
An arginine deficiency can lead to skin rashes, constipation and loss of hair, according to Mayoclinic.com. More serious signs of a deficiency include delayed or impaired wound healing which can be especially serious for people with burn injuries or certain infections. Fat accumulation can occur and damage the liver when arginine is low. People who have the highest risk of an arginine deficiency include those with inadequate protein in their diets, suffer from burn injuries or sepsis and those with excessive ammonia production or lysine intake.
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