Deficiency produces wide-ranging diseases including birth defects and degenerative diseases in all age groups. Heavy losses of zinc also occur in sweat. The average daily recommended intake of zinc for adults is about 0.2mg/kg of body weight.

Zinc is an essential element for humans. It plays important roles in growth and development, the immune response, neurological function, and reproduction. Zinc is a component of various enzymes, the structure of proteins and cell membranes, and regulates gene expression. In animal studies, zinc has reported to reduce the toxic effects of nickel and cadmium.

Zinc is present in plant and animal tissues, and food is the major source of zinc intake. Drinking water usually makes a negligible contribution to total intake. In surface and ground waters, the concentration of zinc from natural leaching is usually less than 0.01mg/L. Tap water can contain much higher concentrations as a result of corrosion of zinc coated popes and fittings. In major Australian reticulated supplies, a typical concentration of 0.05mg/L is found. There are 1.4 to 2.3 grams of zinc found in the average healthy human adult. It is found in the liver, pancreas, kidney, bone and skeletal muscle in the greatest proportion and is found in lesser amounts in the eye, prostate gland, semen, skin, hair, as well as finger and toe nails.

Nutrient Interactions

Copper

Taking large quantities of zinc (50mg/day) over a period of week can interfere with copper bioavailability. More typical intakes of zinc do not affect copper absorption and high copper intakes do not affect zinc absorption.

Iron

Dietary intake of iron at levels found in some supplements (38-65mg/day of element iron) can decrease zinc absorption, which is a particular concern in the management of pregnancy and lactation.

Calcium

High intakes of calcium have been shown to have a negative effect on zinc absorption in animal experiments, but human data are equivocal with calcium phosphate decreasing zinc absorption and calcium as citrate-malate complex having no effect.

Folic acid

There is also some evidence of potential interrelationship of zinc with folate, but studies are limited.

Vitamin A

Zinc and vitamin A interact in several ways. Zinc is a component of retinol-binding protein, a protein necessary for transporting vitamin A in the blood. Zinc is also required for the enzyme that converts retinol (vitamin A) to retinal.

Zinc deficiency

Zinc deficiency diseases include:

• Slowing or cessation of growth and development
• Delayed sexual development
• Characteristic skin rashes
• Impaired immune responses
• Impaired wound healing
• Diminished appetite
• Anemia
• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Anorexia nervosa
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy

Akwa does hope that it will provide you with enough information. It does not in any way purport to give medical advice or recommendations. Remember that nothing will replace a good diet and regular excercise.