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Zinc
Zinc
Essential for growth, repair tissues, The most readily available form of
and gonadal development in man. zinc occurs in animal flesh,
Essential component of the following particularly red meats and poultry.
enzymes: Carbonic anhydrase, Other rich sources are seafoods,
carboxypeptidase, lactic shellfish, liver, whole grains and egg
dehydrogenase yolk.
Participates in ribonucleic acid
(RNA). DEFICIENCY:
Zinc combines readily with insulin in Could be cause by dietary
the pancreas. insufficiency, poor availability,
Has a favorable effect on wound
increased losses from the body due
healing.
to bleeding (GIT infestation),
Play a role in the contraction and
relaxation of muscles. excessive sweating, and excessive
May serve as detoxifying agent. excretion as in alcoholism.
change cholesterol metabolism and
appear to possibly accelerate
Effects include: development of atherosclerosis.
Growth retardation and poor Renal failure may also occur with
healing. toxicity from zinc.
Hypogonadism Severe gastrointestinal irritation and
Illnesses in which both the serum vomiting have occurred following an
and erythrocyte levels of zinc intake of 2 g (2,000 mg) of zinc
decrease. sulfate.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency include:
Anemia
Slowed growth
Birth defects
Spontaneous abortion
Delayed sexual maturation
Sterility
Reduced taste perception
Slow healing of wounds
Poor alcohol tolerance
Glucose intolerance
Mental disorders
Skin and hair problems
Loss of appetite
Skeletal abnormalities
Poor resistance to infection
TOXICITY: