Are You Short Of Zinc? by Jane Thurnell-Read

Zinc is an important mineral even though we need it in very small quantities. It is a constituent of many enzymes (body chemicals that speed up reactions), and so is vital for our health. It is also necessary to allow hormones such as insulin to function properly.

It is involved in a whole range of digestive and metabolic reactions. It is important in maintaining the integrity of the skin. Zinc is important in wound healing. Low levels of zinc can lead to lack of taste and loss of appetite. Zinc is involved in using vitamin A stored in the liver. Miscarriages and malformed foetuses occur in animals deficient in zinc. Muscles, bone, skin, the kidney, the liver, the pancreas, the retina and the prostate all have high zinc levels.

Zinc is found in shellfish (particularly oysters), meat, legumes, nuts and seeds. Phytic acid found in cereal bran interferes with the absorption of zinc, so though whole grains have a useful amount of zinc the body cannot easily use it. Tea and coffee also interfere with zinc absorption.

Conditions which have been associated with zinc deficiency include frequent and/or severe infections, sleep disturbances, inflammatory bowel disease, growth problems in children, reduced appetite, dandruff, rheumatoid arthritis, acne, impotence and infertility, and behavioural disturbances. If you crave chocolate, you may respond to zinc supplementation.

So how do you know if you're short of zinc? There's a simple test available using zinc sulphate solution. You take a dose, and leave it in your mouth for 10 seconds. If you can't taste it, it means you are zinc deficient and need to increase your zinc intake either via food or supplements.

Buy a bottle of Lamberts Zincatest. There's enough in the bottle to test your whole family (and some friends too!) to see if they are short of zinc.

Copyright 2006 Jane Thurnell-Read High Quality Nutritional Supplements