|
Zinc
Recommended Daily Intake
| 11 mg for men |
8 mg for women |
|
Food Sources
Seafood
Lean meat
Whole grains
Legumes
Problems Associated with Deficiencies
Symptoms in humans have not been identified
Functions/Potential Benefits at Recommended Levels
Zinc may be an important factor in helping to maintain a healthy immune system
Critical component of enzymes involved in most major metabolic pathways
Part of several vital hormones including insulin
Involved in ability to taste
Aids in wound repair
Involved in protein metabolism
Important for night vision
Potential Benefits Under Investigation
May increase infant birth weight, head circumference and gestation age in at-risk mothers having low-zinc levels
Along with copper and manganese, zinc may help reduce postmenopausal bone loss
Eye disease
May play a role in taste perception and treating anorexia
Special Considerations/Possible Adverse Effects with Excess Intake
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 40 mg
Doses in excess of 60 mg can cause gastrointestinal intolerance and can interfere with copper status, negatively affect immune responses and lower high density lipoproteins
* Information in this chart is not intended to provide a complete review on any topic.
** The information in this chart is in reference to healthy adults only, not to children or pregnant and lactating women. |
