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ZINC

Chemical formula/structure.

Natural Sources of this nutrient in foods.

Calf’s liver, beef tenderloin, mushrooms, venison, shrimp, and spinach.

How Zinc is used by the body.

Zinc is incorporated in enzymes. Zinc has been used to recover from colds. If too much Zinc is taken in, brief illnesses may occur. Most people become sick because drinks that have zinc coated containers. Zinc works with white blood cells. Zinc can also help balance blood sugar by affecting the insulin. It also may help your metabolism and will help prevent your immune system from weakening.

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/Nutrition.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=115

Effects if Zinc is not present.

Some effects that may occur when your Zinc intake is low, is an impaired sense of taste. Zinc must be linked to a small protein called Gustin. Another sense that may be effected is your smell. When Zinc is low, you have a lack of appetite. Depression may also be caused by lack of Zinc. Children need Zinc to help their body grow. Your immune system becomes more prone to infections and diseases. Diarrhea can also be caused by lack of Zinc.

ZINC MAY PLAY A ROLE IN PREVENTING OR TREATING THE FOLLOWING DISEASES:

• Acne

• Alcoholism

• Alopecia

• Alzheimer's disease

• Anorexia nervosa

• Atopic dermatitis

• Benign prostatic hypertrophy

• Cervical dysplasia

• Common cold

• Crohn's disease

• Diabetes