Zinc deficiency may lead to poor night vision, longer wound-healing, decrease sense of taste and smell, a reduced ability to fight infections, & poor development of reproductive organs.

Rate it!

Currently 0 /5 Stars.
1
2
3
4
5

... In the pursuit of maintaining optimal health, zinc tops the list. As mentioned earlier, the requirements of this wonder nutrient is quite low, as in 5mg/ day for infants, 10 mg for children and 15 mg for adults. In pregnant women, Zinc requirements increase to 20 mg/day.

Though Zinc has significant functions, its impact on our health is varied:
Zinc basically acts like a REGULATOR, and controls several essential metabolic activities & functions such as:
•    Zinc is vital in protein synthesis, regulating the genetic activities which translate to optimal growth and development of the human body.
•    It plays an important role in sperm health. Zinc is the primary anti-oxidant, that protects the sperm against free radical damage.
•    Optimal zinc levels are required for a strong immune system.
•    It helps control blood sugar levels.
•    It enhances smell and taste acuity
•    It plays an important role in bone mineralization
•    It influences thyroid & cognitive functions
•    It speeds up the wound-healing process.

It's quite obvious that if your diet falls short of this nutrient, symptoms like depression, loss of appetite, insensitivity to taste and smell impaired growth & frequent colds and infection may hound you. On the other hand excessive intake of zinc in the diet can lead to toxicity causing bitterness in the mouth, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps etc. In 2000, the National Academic of Sciences set an upper tolerable limit of 40mg / day's intake of zinc for all individuals age 19 and over.

How can we get enough zinc?
A balanced diet is the best way to get adequate zinc in your diet. Remember to eat a variety of zinc rich foods like whole grains, mushrooms, spinach, basil, thyme, pumpkin seeds, yeast in breads, beef, lamb, peanuts, shrimp, broccoli, peas, yogurt, sunflower seeds & sesame seeds.

A good rule of thumb is protein rich foods tend to be rich in zinc as well.

Cook to retain Zinc...
Cooking and processing methods of foods lead to at least 50% of nutrient loss. Minimal processing of foods and contact with water can reduce the nutrient losses.

By. Kanchan Saggi,
Online Dietitian,
www.NutritionVista.com

TWO QUICK RECIPES FOR INCLUDING ZINC RICH FOODS IN YOUR DIET
Heart Warming Cutlets
Grilled Chicken With Mushroom Sandwich

NutritionVista

User Comments

24 June, 2009 | Srinivas | Reply

Yes. Zinc plays a vital role in both men and women sexual health. If your husband is not having nutrient rich food, you should make him realize the importance before it is too late. More scientific study on zinc can be found @ http://www.advance-health.com/zinc.html

23 June, 2009 | Padmashri Shanmugaraj | Reply

Zinc plays a significant role in the sexual well-being of females too. It is important for ovulation, regularizing menstrual cycles and for maintaining optimum estrogen and progesterone (female sex-hormones)levels. Ms.Anjali, if you feel that your husband's unhealthy eating habits are affecting his sexual health or his overall immunity, you may have to consider zinc supplementation. Please consult your physician.

23 June, 2009 | Padmashri Shanmugaraj | Reply

Well, zinc deficiency can cause a drop in the testosterone (male sex hormone) levels. So, ask your spouse to include zinc-rich foods in his diet. Consult your physician to know if he requires supplementations, too.

21 June, 2009 | Mayuri | Reply

We have been unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant. Can less zinc in our food be a cause also. The doctor did change our diet a little bit, but up to how much can we increase zinc?

Can other nutrints make a difference?

21 June, 2009 | Anjali | Reply

I have two questions -
1. Is Zinc good for Women's sexual health as well?
2. Mu husband doesn't eat very healthy. If his diet is not giving him enough zinc, should he be taking a supplement?
Thanks,

Post Comments

Contact Name:

E-mail:

(Will show your Gravatar icon)

Comments:

Notify me when new comments are added

User Rules

Dear User,

This is to inform you that this part of the site is moderated, and your comments will be published after the approval of the moderators. Your text comments can be modified or deleted at any time. All comments that are posted are moderated by paid employees to ensure appropriate behavior and monitor and prevent abuse and disrespect of users and readers. The moderators also ensure that all questions asked are forwarded to and responded by employees in a timely manner and by the appropriate and qualified employees. The moderators are the dietitians listed under "The NV Dietetic Team"

All users are by default considered as non medical professionals, unless explicitly stated. If you are a health professional giving medical information as a platform user, please list your status as a medical professional so as to be clearly identified.

Please note - We recommend you not include any personal data and will remove all advertising for a site or product.

All platform users and moderators must behave at all times with respect and honesty. If comments are inappropriate moderators may intervene and if a platform users is banned they will be warned or notified before being banned.

Please note regarding response time - The moderator’s is notified automatically with details the instant a comment is posted.

'The information provided on the NutritionVista.com website is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician.' The minimum age for the use or participation in these platforms is 18 years of age and is strictly adhered to. By posting a comment all users of this platform undertake to disseminate only information that is true and correct in light of their knowledge.

Tags: Nutrition

© 2007 - 2024 NutritionVista.com. All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. All articles and content written by the Nutritionvista.com team for NutritionVista.com are the sole property of J.L.S Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Content may not be copied without express permission to do so. If you want to link back to an article, please ensure a working link to the article title is used and is functioning at all times.