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Zinc – for rapid healing
Description
Second to iron there are large quantities of the essential trace mineral zinc, in the body.
Present in every tissue, the highest concentrations of zinc are in the eyes, male reproductive organs, liver, muscle and bone.
Function
Essential for the normal functioning of vitamins, especially B- complex.
A constituent of at least 25 enzymes involved in digestion and metabolism, including carbonic anhydrase, necessary for tissue respiration.
Also part of the enzyme needed to break down alcohol
Essential for general growth and the proper development of reproductive organs, and the normal functioning of the prostate gland
Important in healing burns and wounds
Required for the synthesis of RNA and possibly DNA
A component of insulin, for blood sugar levels
Medicinal and therapeutic Uses
Helps eliminate cholesterol deposits – and has been successfully used in the treatment of atherosclerosis
Contributes to the rapid healing of both internal and external wounds
Beneficial in the treatment of infertility and prostate problems
May benefit sufferers of Hodgkin’s disease and leukaemia
Used in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism and drug withdrawal
Beneficial to diabetics because it regulates insulin in the blood
Menstrual cycle regulator
May help with chronic fatigue and depression
Good for memory
Calming effect on the body
Good for inflamed sinuses
Good for any inflammation
Good for acne
good for post natal blues
Deficiency Effects
White spots on finger nails
Stretch marks on skin
Brittle nails and hair
Blood sugar problems
Depression
Loss of libido
Prostate problems
Slow wound healing
Increased fatigue, decreased awareness and susceptibility to infection
Knee and hip joint pain
Loss of normal taste sensitivity
Poor appetite
In pregnancy zinc shortages can lead to birth defects such as dwarfism and mongolism
Chronic depletion can predispose body cells to cancer
Toxicity Effects
Nausea and vomiting
High intake of zinc interferes with copper utilisation causing incomplete iron metabolism
Excessive intake of zinc can lead to a loss of iron and copper from the liver
RDA 10mg for children up to 10 years, 15mg adults, 20mg pregnant women
Antagonists
Pregnancy and lactation
Contraceptive pill
Alcohol and coffee
Good Food Sources
Whole grains, brewer’s yeast, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, eggs, seafood, poultry, nuts, mushrooms and spirulina, cider vinegar (organic), skullcap, sage, chickweed, Echinacea, nettles, dulse, milk thistle, sarsaparilla
