Human Health Can Be Harmed without Enough Zinc
The Effects of Zinc Deficiency on Human Health
Zinc deficiency has been associated as
one of the contributing aspects to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
It has been noted that some people with anorexia nervosa loose the sense of
taste, this links with zinc deficiency as it is known that some people with zinc deficiency have a poor sense of
taste (ageusia) and smell (anosmia). Zinc supplement are known to stimulate appetite
and improve food intake with people who have eating disorders.
The lack of zinc can cause problems with female reproduction; it can cause lack of ovulation, late onset of
menstruation and amenorrhea (lack of periods).
Zinc deficiency has an effect on the skin, nails and promotes poor growth of hair. The skin looses its flexibility
and elasticity and is prone to stretch marks, this affects pregnant women especially. Acne, boils, dermatitis,
psoriasis and white marks on fingernails all respond to extra zinc in the diet.
Lack of zinc has also been associated with gum inflammation, increased risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes,
poor wound healing, eczema, tinnitus and acute diarrhoea in Third World children.
Zinc deficiency is common in low-income pregnant women, pregnant teenagers, people suffering from liver cirrhosis,
people with Down's syndrome, children with alopecia areata, vegetarians, alcoholics, people with sickle cell
anaemia, people with chronic kidney disease and malabsorption problems.
Typical signs of zinc deficiency in a person are loss of appetite, poor sense of smell and taste, tendency towards
depression, white marks on fingernails, pale skin, frequent infections, low fertility, stretch marks, prostate
problems, stunted growth, mental problems, poor wound healing, a poor immune system, diarrhoea, mental lethargy,
poor appetite, rough skin, weight loss, ache and greasy skin.
To treat zinc deficiency, it is best to advise a person to increase foods that are high in zinc content within
their diet. These foods are Oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecan nuts, dry split peas, haddock, green peas, shrimps,
turnips, Brazil nuts, egg yolks, whole wheat grain, rye, oats, peanuts and almonds. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed
butter are excellent sources of this vital mineral.
Good stomach acid, vitamin A, E and B6, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus will all help with the absorption of
zinc.
Phytates (wheat), alcohol, oxalates such as rhubarb and spinach, stress, high calcium, high sugar intake, copper
and low protein intake will all hamper the absorption of zinc.
Zinc supplements will also help with zinc deficiency; this can be either in the form of zinc sulphate or zinc
gluconate ranging from doses of 15 to 300 mg for an adult. Chelated zinc is the best form of zinc supplements to be
taken.
In conclusion, zinc is an essential mineral with over 300 enzymes reliant on it to help heal wounds, maintain
fertility in adults, protect against free radicals, promote healthy growth in children, boost immunity, synthesise
protein, preserve good vision and help cells reproduce. Deficiency is very common (especially in the Third World)
and can cause major health complaints, zinc deficiency can be over come by consuming the right diet full of foods
that are high in zinc and by supplementing the diet with chelated zinc.
About the author:
Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh
Advice for a healthier natural life
website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com
Additional Thoughts:
Zinc seems to assist the body as it tries to heal itself. Zinc deficiency in bones may cause pain of the hip and
joints of the knees. This mineral also seems to be related to healthy brain functions and so the lack of zinc may
cause your child to be behind in his or her mental development. The consumption of alcohol tends to remove this
mineral from the body. Having enough zinc in the body can help skin and hair and nails to be healthier, so don't
leave zinc out of your diet. For healthier gums, don't forget to include this vital mineral. Zinc may help your
heart to be healthier and it may help your wounds to heal more quickly. When you don't have enough zinc, this can
affect your appetite. It could also affect your emotions as well as your sense of smell and taste. So be sure to
eat food that has zinc in it and if needed, take zinc supplements or a good multivitamin that includes
zinc.
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Summary
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