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

* It is a part of insulin
* It is a constituent of many important enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme which helps protect bodily cells from free radicals
* Sufficient amounts of zinc are necessary to ensure that the blood has the proper concentration of vitamin E
* Zinc raises the body’s absorption of vitamin A
* Influences carbohydrate metabolism
* Part of alcohol dehydrogenase, which aids the liver in detoxifying alcohol
* Needed for lactate and malate dehydrogenases, both of which play important parts in producing energy
* Cofactor for alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme which helps contribute phosphates to the bones
* Could help maintain acid-alkaline balance through carbonic anhydrase
* Plays a part in phosphorus metabolism

Other points to note

For optimal health, the copper and zinc ratio in the body should be maintained at about 1:10 [Balch, Phyllis A]. Another suggested copper:zinc ratio is 1:15. [Haas] These two minerals affect each other’s absorption, so their balance is important. Excessive consumption of zinc should thus be balanced with copper intake.

Partly because of soil demineralization and nutrient loss due to food processing, zinc deficiency has become more common nowadays. And zinc deficiency can result in a wide array of symptoms.

References

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements. 5th ed. New York, NY: Avery, 2010. Print.

Haas, Elson M., MD, and Levin, Buck, PhD, RD. Staying Healthy With Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine. New York, NY: Celestial Arts, 2006. Print.

Murray, Michael T., ND. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 1996. Print.

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