Scientifically, zinc is one of the trace minerals of the body. However, zinc is also one of the body’s most essential minerals. Nearly every cell in the human body is made up of zinc in some way; it is actually the reason that about 100 different types of enzymes are active at all. Zinc keeps the body healthy by warding off infectious diseases, as it activates T-lymphocytes. These are white blood cells, which are the agents that ward off infection.

Zinc also helps the body to heal itself after it has been wounded. It plays a role in people’s ability to smell things and taste things, and is even part of the makeup of human DNA. Zinc helps to regulate a person’s grown throughout time, from pregnancy through to death. It regulates the stages of development, including the development of the reproductive system.

In addition to all this, zinc helps to move Vitamin A out of the liver and it acts as a protector of cells from potential hazards they may encounter from any unknown.

Oysters contain more zinc in one serving than any other food, but a variety of foods out there are good sources of the minerals. Red meat, poultry, and whole grains are all sources of zinc, as are nuts beans and even dairy products.

Taking a dietary supplement that includes zinc is not always necessary if the body already contains enough zinc. Foods that have been fortified with vitamins and minerals and mineral supplements together may add up to just too much zinc. Excess amounts of zinc can lead to numerous health problems, including inability to fight infections as copper is not able to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Zinc is a vital mineral from the very moment of birth. Children should only have a small amount, less than three milligrams of zinc each ay. Children and adults need more, but no more than nine milligrams each day. As always, pregnant women need a little bit more of every mineral than other people do.

Sources of Zinc

Many different foods contain some amount of zinc. On a per-serving basis, oysters contain the greatest amount. But oysters are not part of the common diet. And that's okay because red meat and poultry are two good sources and they're popular choices among many cultures. Whole grains, nuts, beans, some seafood, dairy products and fortified foods are also good sources.

Care must be taken however, not to consume too much zinc. This is easy to do if a person eats a lot of fortified foods and also takes a zinc supplement. Doing so impedes the body's ability to properly absorb copper which also is needed to keep the immune system operating correctly. Too much zinc can also impair the formation of blood cells.
For whatever reason, some people lack the ability to properly absorb zinc into the body. In this case, one might develop a serious zinc deficiency, which can result in hair loss, diarrhea, fatigue, and even the loss of sense and taste. Low zinc levels may lead to lack of appetite and lowered immune system as well, so it is important that the body get all of the zinc it needs.

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