Zinc is needed for proper growth and development at all stages of life. Whether that be during infancy, childhood or adolescence, or during adulthood when other changes are constantly taking place, the mineral zinc is always in demand.
Once we reach adulthood, we may have ceased growing, but our body is constantly turning over new cells. Every part of our body is renewed, some faster than others; think new skin cells, bone cells and proper hair and nail growth. All this cell regeneration requires zinc. New cells are also required when we injure ourselves. Zinc is needed to heal and repair these damages. Any breakages, burns or scratches, all turn to this mineral for help.
Zinc also helps to keep our immune system on its toes and our body free of viruses, colds and flus. It’s also involved in many enzyme reactions and helps them to function accordingly. It triggers enzymes to start working when required and switches them off when it’s time. Zinc is also involved in the maintenance of our brainpower.
Zinc is also good for our zest and zeal. It’s needed for proper sexual maturation and function; men need zinc for healthy sperm and ladies need it for a healthy reproductive system. Then during pregnancy, zinc continues to do its job and feed the healthy growth of the baby and support proper neurological development. Zinc is also important for continued neurological development in infants and children.
Take zinc out of the equation and we have a problem. A mild zinc deficiency from an inadequate dietary intake, can lower the response of our immune system making us more prone to illness and infection. It can also effect our skin health and slow the healing of wounds. If a child is lacking in zinc, then their growth and development can be sacrificed.
Strict vegans or vegetarians with a diet based mainly on grains and legumes face a higher risk of a zinc deficiency. These plant based diets can be high in phytic acid; a compound that can interfere with proper zinc absorption. It does this by binding with dietary zinc in our body and it’s then excreted, taking the unabsorbed zinc with it.
Like with many minerals, severe zinc deficiencies are seen more in malnourished people and populations, or those with an increased zinc loss or requirement. Those with severe burns or regular diarrhea, alcoholism, eating disorders, celiac’s disease or crohn’s disease, may all be prone to a zinc deficiency. There are also other genetic diseases that can interfere with the proper absorption of zinc and its usage in our body.
Severe zinc deficiencies can result in seriously impaired growth and development in children, including neurological development and delayed sexual maturation. It can also present skin rashes and effect our taste buds.