Zinc

The mineral zinc has a wide range of function and is vital for the health of many body systems.

What it does:

• Plays a crucial role in cell division, in insulin activity, metabolism of the ovaries and testes and in liver function
  
• Aids in the healing of wounds and cuts
  
• Necessary for healthy immune system
  
• Growth and sexual development in children
  
• Essential for normal taste, smell and sight
  
• Component of many enzymes
  
• Provides hard structure of the bones

Zinc deficiency symptoms include hair loss, diarrhoea, fatigue, delayed wound healing, decreased growth rate and mental development in infants, infections, allergies, night blindness, loss of smell, skin problems.

Those who have high zinc requirements include men (since the health of the prostate gland is linked to zinc and it is also needed to manufacture testosterone for libido and fertility), and women on the oral contraceptive pill or taking hormone replacement therapy, vegans and vegetarians, sufferers of psoriasis and pregnant or lactating women.

Best food sources:

Protein foods (lean meat, liver, kidney, chicken, oysters), dairy products, beans, lentils, yeast, nuts, seeds and wholegrain cereals.