The mineral zinc is known as an essential trace element because very small amounts of zinc are necessary to maintain human health. Zinc is not able to be stored in the body so it must be introduced into the system as part of a regular diet. Foods that contain the mineral zinc include fish, poultry, and red meat. For those that do not have such foods in their daily nutritional program, they can develop several deficiencies such as the reduced ability to taste food, the inability of testes and ovaries to function properly, and growth problems.
In children a deficiency of zinc includes slow wound healing, Wilson’s disease, acute diarrhea, and stunted growth. Current scientific research has found some scientific evidence to support its use for some of these conditions, however there is no solid evidence to support the actual benefits of the mineral zinc.
A recent research has found that zinc might have some positive effects against COVID-19, but such findings have not been completely supported or solidified, however zinc may have some benefits for the common cold and other airway infections.
Some of the documented benefits for the mineral zinc are that it is needed for immune function, blood clotting, thyroid function, wound healing, and several other conditions. If an individual finds himself/herself with several of the following symptoms: low insulin levels, irritability, loss of appetite, general hair loss, rough and dry skin, poor sense of taste and smell, slow wound healing, diarrhea, and nausea, there is a possibility that they might be the deficient in the mineral zinc. A zinc deficiency is also associated with disorders of the intestine interfering with food absorption, alcoholism, chronic debilitating diseases, and chronic kidney failure.
Your family doctor would be the best person to be able to determine if you have a zinc deficiency or not. Please contact your family doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.
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