Zinc is an essential mineral that the body can only obtain through food, ideally through animal foods as this helps absorption. Zinc plays many functions in the body including aiding in growth and development, neurological function, reproduction, and immune function, as well as supporting cell structure. Zinc can be found in poultry, oysters, wild game, mushrooms, sesame seeds, and more.
Zinc is an essential mineral for humans. Since your body doesn’t produce it, you must obtain it through food (or supplements). Zinc obtained from animal foods seems better absorbed. The amino acids cysteine and methionine can improve zinc absorption. Eating too much folate, supplemental iron, calcium, or dietary phytates can make it harder to absorb enough zinc.
Zinc has many functions in the body including:
Zinc can be found in several foods including:
Common symptoms and resulting conditions of zinc deficiency include:
However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or deficiency in certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.
Note: Those at risk for deficiency include the elderly, those with alcoholism, those with malabsorption diseases, vegans, and those with severe diarrhea.
Common symptoms of zinc excess/toxicity include:
However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or an excess of certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.
Note: Long-term consumption of excessive zinc can result in copper deficiency.
For recipes rich in zinc, check out any of the Encyclopedia of Food entries for food items listed above.
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Zinc is an essential mineral that the body can only obtain through food, ideally through animal foods as this helps absorption. Zinc plays many functions in the body including aiding in growth and development, neurological function, reproduction, and immune function, as well as supporting cell structure. Zinc can be found in poultry, oysters, wild game, mushrooms, sesame seeds, and more.