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Thursday 18 September 2008

Zinc - Consequences Of A Zinc Deficiency

Persons at risk for zinc deficiency due to inadequate diet and deficiencies of various vitamins and minerals, include severely calorie limited diets elderly and dehabilitated persons. A zinc deficiency is more likely in children living in poverty.

Zinc is present in a wide variety of foods, especially in association with protein aliments. A vegetarian diet often contains less zinc than a meat based diets so it is crucial for vegetarians to consume plenty of aliments that are rich in this vital mineral. Good sources for vegetarians include dairy products, yeast, seeds, beans and lentils, nuts and wholegrain cereals. Pumpkin seeds represent one of the most concentrated vegetarian food sources of zinc.

Only 20% of the zinc present in a diet is really absorbed by the body. Dietary fibre and phytic acid present in wholegrain cereals, pulses and nuts, impedes zinc absorption. Phytic acid forms a strongly insoluble complex with zinc which the body cannot absorb. Cooking procedures can minimize the adverse effects of both phytic acid and dietary fibre on zinc absorption. Cooking can eliminate over half of the phytic acids in wholemeal bread. High levels of the toxic mineral cadmium can also prevent zinc absorption because these two minerals compete for absorption. Conversely high levels of zinc in the diet can prevent the absorption of cadmium.

Signs of a Zinc Deficiency
The first signs of zinc deficiency are deprivation of taste, a weak immune reaction and skin ailments. Other symptoms of zinc impairment can include delayed wound healing, hair loss, fatigue, and decreased growth rate and mental development in infants.

Zinc is a very important mineral to maintain good skin health and if you are for example affected by acne, you may take zinc supplements to ease your skin. There are many acne causes, but the mineral zinc can be a great acne treatment as it decreases inflammation and the androgen effect of hormones on your skin.

It is thought that zinc supplementation can aid skin ailments such as acne and eczema, prostate complications, anorexia nervosa, alcoholics and those suffering from trauma or post-surgery.

It is always better to ask the advice of an expert before dosing yourself with supplements. If you choose to take a zinc supplement you should not need more than the daily recommended doses unless medical recommendation says otherwise.

A deficiency of zinc can lead to various health issues such as hair loss, fatigue and even breakouts. It is recommended to include zinc in the diet as only 20% of the zinc present in the diet is absorbed by the body. Zinc is also a well-known mineral that can help conditions such as anorexia and prostate complications in addition to serving as a great eczema and acne control.

By: Linda Gladhill

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