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You can feel the vitamins work™ Michael Meyer |
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| Zinc dietary trace elementZinc is one of the minerals few men should never be without. (see lower down on page)
Required forIt is necessary for a healthy immune system, and is also of use in fighting skin problems such as acne, boils and sore throat. It is further needed for cell division, and is needed by tissue of the hair, nails and skin to be in top form. Zinc is further used in the growth and maintenance of muscles. Children, for normal growth and sexual development also require zinc. It also seems as if zinc helps to control the oil glands, and is also required for the synthesis of protein and collagen - which is great for wound healing and a healthy skin. Deficiency indicationsThere is a shortage of zinc in many peoples diet, since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also lost in cooking. A deficiency will result in a under-performing immune system, open to infections, allergies, night blindness, loss of smell, falling hair, white spots under finger nails, skin problems, sleep disturbances etc. Men with zinc in shortage may have a problem with fertility, while women may experience irregular periods. Children with too little zinc may have stunted growth and slow sexual maturity. With too little in the body, the sense of smell might suffer, as well as your sense of taste. DosageThe dosage is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind. In the case of microelements, such as trace elements, the amounts are very small, yet they are still important. Toxicity and symptoms of high intakeElevated intake of zinc (1- 2 gram per day) over an extended period can actually harm your immune system instead of assisting it. Intake of zinc should be kept to under 100 mg per day as larger amounts may result in nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness and hallucinations. If you wish to take a zinc supplement, rather take it at night on a empty stomach, as zinc can interfere with the absorption of other minerals such as copper and iron. In a multi-vitamin situation, make sure that the zinc and iron is nearly in the same amounts. Large intake of zinc can cause nausea and diarrhea Best used withA good combination in nutrition would be adequate levels of copper, calcium, phosphorous, selenium, vitamin A, B6 and E. When more may be requiredMen should always ensure enough zinc in their diets, since the health of their prostate gland is linked to zinc. Zinc is needed to manufacture testosterone and a shortage may induce a low sperm count, loss of libido and other emotional problems. Zinc may also be helpful in fighting infection and inflammation of the prostate gland in older men. It is lost on ejaculation, since sperm needs this mineral to swim towards the egg. If a women is taking a birth control pill, or receiving hormone replacement therapy extra zinc may be indicated, and all vegans and vegetarians should also consider their zinc intake, as well as people suffering from psoriasis and women while pregnant or lactating. People consuming large amounts of alcohol may also be at risk of lowered zinc levels Enemy of nutrientMeat is better sources of zinc as certain whole grains contain phytic acid, which binds to zinc, making it un-absorbable. Zinc is lost through excessive sweating. Other interesting pointsSucking zinc tablets may help with fighting a cold, although some people experience nausea from sucking these tablets. Zinc food sourcesGreat sources are found in muscle meat, poultry, fish and seafood, while grains, nuts, eggs, seeds and brewers yeast also supply good quality zinc. Zinc is found in the following Zest for Life products
Nutritional information
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