Zinc – Functions, Health Effects And RDA Of This Essential Mineral

Zinc is an essential mineral with numerous functions in the human body. This mineral can be found in every cell in the body and forms a part of over 200 enzymes. In fact, zinc plays a part in more enzymatic reactions than all other minerals, and could be involved in more functions in the body than any other mineral.

Generally, zinc is involved in many body functions and enzyme functions so it has a wide array of positive effects on health.

For example, zinc is needed for the proper action of many bodily hormones, including insulin, growth hormone, thymic hormones, and sex hormones.

Zinc in the human body

One source states that, on average, each adult has about 1.4 to 2.5 g of zinc in his or her body, and most of the zinc (65% or so) is stored in the muscles; it has high concentrations in red blood cells and white blood cells. The bone, kidney, liver, pancreases, prostate, skin and retina also has high concentrations of this mineral. [Murray, Michael T, ND]

In another source, zinc has also been stated to be 85% contained in the skeletal muscle and bone, while being most concentrated in the prostate and semen, suggesting its importance in male sexual health. The areas with the next highest zinc concentrations are the heart, spleen, lungs, brain, adrenal glands and retina. The amount of zinc in the skin is high, although concentrations are lower; the hair, teeth and nails also contain some zinc. [Haas, Elson M, MD]

Among all the trace minerals, its concentration in the body is second to iron (33 ppm to 60 ppm for iron)

RDA of zinc

There are some different amounts of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc noted by various authors.

According to Phyllis A Balch, CNC, in her book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements“, the RDA for zinc is 15 mg per day.

Michael T Murray, ND, in his book “Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally”, breaks it down further:

* Infants under 1 year old – 5mg
* Children aged 1 to 10 – 10mg
* Males aged 11 and above – 15mg
* Females aged 11 and above – 12mg
* Pregnant females – 15mg
* Lactating females – 19mg

(Read more on RDA on the next page.)

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