• immunity

• wound healing

• enhances antiviral activity

• reduces length and severity of common cold

• necessary for maturation of sperm; necessary for ovulation and fertilization

• necessary for normal growth and maturation

• useful for eczema and acne

• critical regulator of taste, smell and vision perceptions

• regulates vitamin A by controlling the release of stored vitamin A from the liver

• promotes anti-inflammatory properties helpful in arthritis

• necessary for a healthy prostate

• is a component of insulin

• promotes the conversion of thyroxine to triodothyronine, which promotes normal thyroid


• EFFECTS OF DEPLETION

• acne
• impaired sense of smell and taste
• delayed wound healing
• anorexia
• decreased immunity
• frequent infections
• depression
• photophobia
• night blindness
• problems with skin, hair and nails
• menstual problems
• joint pain
• involuntary cyclical movements of the eye


• SOURCES

Lean meats, liver, eggs, seafood (especially oysters), whole grain breads and cereals


• NOTES

Zinc deficiency can be caused by inadequate dietary intake due to foods grown on zinc-depleted soils.

Food processing removes zinc and protein- or calorie-restricted diets lead to zinc deficiency.

Zinc is relatively non-toxic.
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— unless otherwise noted, information on this page is summarized from pages 000-00, Pelton