Zinc is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. It is important for the immune system, the metabolism as well as for wound healing, smell and taste. Zinc can be found in a variety of foods such as oysters, red meat, chicken, seafood, beans, nuts. whole grains and dairy products. The recommended daily dose of Zinc is 8mg for women, and 11 mg for men, which normally should be covered by the foods you eat. Some people have trouble to get enough zinc, for example if you are vegetarian, have gastrointestinal conditions or conditions such as sickle cell disease. If you start taking Zinc as a supplement, discuss it first with your healthcare provider, as there are interactions with some medications, and to make sure the dose fits your daily requirements.
Sources:
- NIH: National Institutes of Health. Zinc. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/ (accessed 5. August 2020)
- Mayo Clinic. Zinc. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112 (accessed 5. August 2020)
- WebMD. ZINC. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-982/zinc (accessed 5. August 2020)
