Trace Mineral- Zinc

Question 1

Sources

Answer 1

-Meat/ meat products
-Bread
-Eggs
-Milk/ milk products

Question 2

Functions

Answer 2

-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)

Question 3

Deficiency

Answer 3

-Rare
-Mild- REDUCED WOULD HEALING
Severe- GROWTH RETARDATION, delayed SEXUAL AND SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT, DERMATITIS (white scaly skin), LOSS OF APPETITE, DAIRRHOEA

Question 4

Excess

Answer 4

-Interferes with COPPER METABOLISM

Question 5

Bioavailability

Answer 5

-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