Trace Mineral- Zinc Flashcards
Sources
-Meat/ meat products
-Bread
-Eggs
-Milk/ milk products
Functions
-Prevents STUNTED GROWTH and delayed SEXUAL MATURITY so essential for NORMAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMEN-Involved in METABOLISM of all MACRONUTRIENTS and in the PRODUCTION OF ENERGY
-Possesses ANTIOXIDANT properties
-Needed for an EFFECTIVE IMMUNE SYSTEM (antioxidant properties)
Deficiency
-Rare
-Mild- REDUCED WOULD HEALING
Severe- GROWTH RETARDATION, delayed SEXUAL AND SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT, DERMATITIS (white scaly skin), LOSS OF APPETITE, DAIRRHOEA
Excess
-Interferes with COPPER METABOLISM
Bioavailability
-Only 1/3 absorbed
-Absorption reduced by PHYTIC ACID (present in whole meal cereals) and by presence of calcium and other phytates
-Iron tablets interfere with zinc absorption