Summary
Zinc
Citrate is a mineral that has many functions in the body. It seems to
touch most major systems the body has. Usually you can the
appropriate amount necessary from your daily intake of food so
supplements are only necessary if there is a problem. There are
several side effects associated with zinc citrate but because of the
importance of the mineral, they should be tolerated.
The
importance of zinc
Zinc
is responsible for many different functions in the body. In the
reproductive system, it is involved in the growth of reproductive
organs. It is also involved in the immune system by helping the body
fight disease. It is involved in the metabolism of fats, proteins,
and carbohydrates. It is helpful in tissue formation and helps wounds
to heal faster. It is also found in insulin and involved in synthesis
of proteins. Zinc also helps prevent gingivitis and can help to
prevent odor in perspiration when used in deodorant.
What
foods contain zinc
Zinc
can be found in many foods such as oysters, crab, beef, chicken,
yogurt, nuts and milk.
Zinc
deficiency
When
there isn’t enough Zinc Citrate present in the body, you can develop a Citrate
deficiency. Many conditions can cause this. Some of them include:
- Severe diarrhea
- Liver cirrhosis
- Alcoholism
- Some major surgeries
- Long-term tube feeding in hospital
Recommended
Daily Intake
Adult
woman – 9 mg/day
Adult
men – 13 mg/day
Do
not take more than 40 mg/day
It
is a good idea to use a supplement if you are deficient for some
reason but it is not recommended to take as a daily supplement.
Side
effects of Zinc supplements
There
are many side effects from taking supplements of zinc. They include:
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- May irritate your digestive tract causing nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting
- May develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills. If this happens, it is necessary to get medical attention
Zinc
is a very necessary element that is utilized in a variety of ways by
the body. Unless you have a serious disease, zinc can be consumed by
normal eating. It isn’t recommended to take this as a daily
supplement because of the side effects associated with the nutrient.