ZINC – A NUTRITIONALLY ESSENTIAL MINERAL FOR IMMUNITY AND WOUND HEALING
What is zinc? Zinc is the second most abundant trace metal in the human body with a total amount in the body of 2-4 grams. Zinc levels are higher in the bone and eyes than in the blood and since zinc cannot be stored, it has to be taken up daily from food or as a nutritional supplement in order to assure a sufficient supply. Foods that contain zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood (crab, lobster) , and whole grains. Zinc deficiency is very common with almost 2 billion people being affected worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Even in developed countries, zinc deficiency is common in the elderly. [49] What are the functions of zinc? Zinc is involved in numerous processes including growth and development, stabilization of cell membranes, cell proliferation and cell death, protein synthesis, DNA formation, > 300 enzymatic reactions, immune function, and wound healing. [50]
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