DIETARY ZINC

DIETARY ZINC

Zinc is vital in the absorption and action of many vitamins. It is essential for the maintenance of growth, development, cell division, protein and DNA synthesis. It is a component of insulin and is necessary for proper skin, nail and hair growth and appearance. Zinc is also very useful for the fast and healthy healing of cuts and burns because we need zinc in so many enzymatic activities in repair work. Zinc supplements are
needed in diabetes, hearing affections and brain functions.  The sources of zinc are brewer‟s yeast, egg yolk, fish, lamb chops, legumes, lima beans, liver, meat, mushrooms, oysters, pecans, poultry, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafood, soybeans and whole grains. Indications of deficiency include:
1.   Fatigue. 
2.   Prolonged healing of wounds. 
3.   Smell and taste dysfunctions.  
4.   Stretch marks on the skin. 
5.   White spots on the fingernails. 
6.   It causes dwarfism since it retards growth and maturity and produces anemia.