Z-z-z-z-z-z for zinc minerals are your metallic friends! 

Zinc is an essential trace element for humans, animals and plants. It is vital for many biological functions and plays a crucial role in more than 300 enzymes in the human body. The adult body contains about 2-3 grams of zinc. Zinc is found in all parts of the body: it is in organs, tissues, bones, fluids and cells. Muscles and bones contain most of the body’s zinc (90%). Particularly high concentrations of zinc are in the prostate gland and semen.

The food sources of your Zinc include: meat, poultry, fish and seafood, whole cereals and dairy products.

The superstar Zinc: Among all the vitamins and minerals, zinc shows the strongest effect on our all-important immune system. Zinc plays a unique role in the T-cells. Low zinc levels lead to reduced and weakened T-cells which are not able to recognize and fight off certain infections. An increase of the zinc level has proven effective in fighting  pneumonia and diarrhea and other infections. Zinc can also reduce the duration and severity of a common cold.

The elusive Zinc: Zinc is important for healthy hair. Insufficient zinc levels may result in loss of hair, hair that looks thin and dull and that goes grey early. 

Deficiency can result in: growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, infection susceptibility.

Interesting facts: Zinc is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent and can help sooth the skin tissue, particularly in cases of poison ivy, sunburn, blisters and certain gum diseases.

We recommend: Shaklee’s “Zinc Complex” which is formulated with highly bioavailable zinc gluconate in a base of alfalfa and roasted barley.

Remember: Everyone needs zinc. Children need zinc to grow, adults need zinc for health. Growing infants, children and adolescents, pregnant women and lactating mothers, athletes, vegetarians and the elderly often require more zinc!

Brought to you by RLEI for National Nutrition Month