Zinc is a very important trace element that is involved in various important processes to keep our body in optimal conditions. Like iron, it is essential to ensure the good health of our body. In addition to playing a fundamental role at the cellular and immune system level, it also contributes to the proper functioning of smell, taste and to accelerate wound healing time. During pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childhood, the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. Various studies have shown that in developing countries, populations with zinc deficiency have a higher likelihood of contracting pneumonia, infections leading to diarrhea, and colds.
Deficiencies in the body
The most representative symptoms of an organism lacking or having very low levels of this mineral can be:
- Frequent infections
- Hypogonadism in Men
- Reduced concentration levels
- Hair loss and loss of appetite
- Skin sores
- Slow-healing wounds
The fact that a person shows one or more of these symptoms is not a reason to pre-diagnose a zinc deficiency, on the contrary, it is recommended to go to a health professional, in order to obtain a correct clinical assessment.
Overconsumption
As in all cases, when a body has an excess of a nutrient or mineral, it is the body itself the one responsible for discarding it through different mechanisms. In the case of an excess of zinc, it could cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, cramps, diarrhea, headaches, low blood pressure, joint pain and metallic tastes in the mouth.
Frequent consumption that exceeds the recommended daily dose (150mg) in the long term can lead to copper deficiency, alteration in iron levels and a weakening of the immune system.
It is important that zinc, in its various forms, NEVER BE CONSUMED without the supervision and/or recommendation of an expert, who will be responsible for prescribing the appropriate dosage for each individual.
