Zinc Deficiency

Only within the latter half of the twentiethoverdose symptoms, so stick to that suggested
century has the importance of the mineral zinc inintake. A zinc deficiency can be caused by a poor
human physiology been established. It wasn't untildiet, inability to properly absorb any zinc,
1961 that zinc deficiency was first described. Aalcoholism, extensive burns, long term kidney
type of dwarfism was identified in the Middle Eastdisease, sickle cell disease, some diuretics will
at that time which was linked to low dietarymake you lose zinc, pregnancy (you'll need a
intake of zinc in a usable form for human use.higher dosage of zinc at this time), and some
Since then zinc deficiency has been linked to aother genetic disorders. Mild cases of zinc
range of ailments and illnesses. Zinc itself is adeficiency will cause weight loss, some lose of
metal found naturally in our environment, but ittaste and smell, some swelling of the tongue and
usually is present in very small amounts. Since themouth, slow growth, hair loss, rashes, low sperm
development of the metals industry a lot morecount, delayed wound healing and inflammation of
zinc has found its way into streams, rivers andthe nail bed. If you are pregnant it is important to
the ground. Zinc is used by the human body intake a higher dosage of zinc. Zinc deficiency in the
small amounts and only about twenty percent ofmother has been linked to low birth weight,
the zinc found in plants that we eat is absorbed,premature birth and anencephaly (a tragic
likely because it is in a form that is difficult for ourmalformation of the fetus.) More Severe cases of
bodies to absorb. Also because chemicals in ourzinc deficiency will cause a stop in growth and
diet from other foods such as whole wheat grainmaturation of children, sometimes resulting in a
inhibit zinc absorption. Interestingly strictform of dwarfism. Poor testicular functioning can
vegetarians are at a risk of zinc deficiency. Whileresult. There will also be increased problems with
zinc is present in plants, it is also present in anthe eye such as, optic neuritis, cataract formation,
easier to absorb form in meat. Theand poor color formation. Zinc deficiency will also
recommended daily intake of zinc for men is ninelead to immune disorders, and dermatitis. A lack
and a half milligrams and for women it is sevenof zinc is also found to result in anorexia.
milligrams. While it can be difficult for your body toResearchers believe zinc is used by the body in
absorb zinc taking high doses of it or beingsome way to create appetite, and without zinc in
exposed to high amounts of zinc in yourthe body there is no appetite.
environment for long periods or time will result in