Does our body naturally produce Zinc?
Zinc is a nutrient that plays many vital roles in your body.
However, since your body doesn’t naturally produce zinc, you must obtain it through food or supplements. Zinc is naturally found in a wide variety of both plant and animal foods.
You can usually get enough zinc through your diet.
The best food sources of zinc are:
- Oysters, crab, and lobster
- Red meat Pork Chicken and other poultry
- Nuts, whole grains, and beans
- Dairy products
- Fortified foods like breakfast cereal
You can also take zinc supplements or multi-nutrient supplements that provide zinc.
Health Benefits of Zinc
- Boost the immune system
- Supports childhood growth
- Manage blood sugar
- Clears up acne
- Slow the progression of Macular Degeneration
- Promotes a healthy heart and blood vessels
Also zinc has also been shown to improve the following conditions:
- Common cold
- Diarrhea
- Accelerates wound healing
Dosage recommendations
When oral zinc is taken long term and in high doses it can cause copper deficiency.
People with low copper levels might experience neurological issues, such as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.
So how much zinc do you need?
Men need 11 milligrams/day of zinc, while women need 8 milligrams/day.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding often need about 11 to 12 milligrams/day.
Zinc requirements vary in childhood and teenage years:
- Babies aged 0 to 6 months need 2 milligrams/day
- Infants aged 7 months to 3 years need 3 milligrams/day
- Kids aged 4 to 8 years need 5 milligrams/day
- Children aged 9 to 13 years need 8 milligrams/day
- Teenage girls aged 14 to 18 years need 9 milligrams/day
- Teenage boys aged 14 to 18 years require 11 milligrams/day
Overview
Zinc is a mineral that your body uses for fighting off infections and producing cells. It’s important for healing injuries and creating DNA, the genetic blueprint in all of your cells. If you’re not getting enough zinc in your diet, you may have side effects such as hair loss, lack of alertness, and a reduced sense of taste and smell.
Our OraTicx Kids Multi Probiotics includes an ingredient of Zinc and check more about the product here.
References
1. Healthline [internet]: Available from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc
2. Mayo Clinic [internet]: Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112
3. WebMD [internet] : Available from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/what-to-know-about-benefits-of-zinc
4. Everyday Health [internet] : Available from https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-benefits-of-zinc-supplements/
