FOOD AND ZINC
By Dr. Myles H. Bader
The metabolic role that minerals play in our bodies is varied, and in many instances may have an important role. Examples of a few of these roles include; calcium and phosphorus providing body structure, iron's relationship to the blood cells, cobalt's relationship to vitamin B12, and sodium and potassium controlling body fluids.
Minerals are categorized in two groups; the major minerals, which are present in large amounts, and the trace minerals, which as their name implies are only present in small amounts. Vitamins are unable to function or utilized by the body without the aide of minerals.
Minerals in general are usually characterized as being either organic (from a living source) or inorganic. Certain organic minerals are available in a pure powder form, while others are too unstable by themselves that they are only available as a mineral salt in combination with another substance.
Zinc is a trace mineral and is only needed in small amounts. A dietary zinc deficiency will increase the amount of vitamin E required to maintain a normal level of that vitamin.
The role of zinc in the body
- Constituent of insulin and of male reproductive fluid
- Combines with phosphorus to aid in respiration
- Assists food to become absorbed through the intestinal wall
- Essential to nucleic acid metabolism and protein synthesis
- Deficiency may be a factor in hardening of the arteries
- Women on oral contraceptives are usually zinc deficient
- Zinc deficiency can damage the thymus gland and is a factor for normal immunological response.
- Caffeine may affect zinc absorption, which may adversely affect the prostate gland and possibly reduce sexual urges in some people.
- Iron and zinc are not as easily absorbed by true vegetarians and may have to be supplemented.
Zinc Facts:
Certain nutrients may increase the effectiveness of the immune system and generally make it stronger. These nutrients include, zinc, copper, garlic, chlorella, vitamins A & C, sulfur-based amino acids and lysine.
The selenium content in soils may vary by a factor of 200 in the United States. A kilogram of wheat may contain from 50mcg to 800mcg of selenium, depending on where it is grown. Chromium and zinc are also critically deficient in the soil. This problem is presently under extensive study by the Department of Agriculture.
All major cities have some form of chemical air pollution. This pollution affects your lungs' capacity to deliver oxygen efficiently to the cells. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, A, and E, selenium, and zinc have proven effective in combating some of the effects of this type of pollution.
Antioxidants may reduce cellular degeneration, thus increasing the effectiveness of the immune system. Prostate problems, especially benign enlargement, may respond to supplementation with zinc or the herb saw palmetto.
For alcohol to be broken down by the body, it requires a number of B vitamins and minerals. The B vitamins include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin. Minerals include iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.
Studies have shown that alcohol consumption can cause excess excretion of zinc stores, possibly contributing to prostrate problems. It may also cause excretion of magnesium, which may cause extreme nervousness.
Various nutrients have different degrees of stability when subjected to heat, processing, and preparation. Vitamin A; for instance, is easily destroyed by heat and light. Vitamin C is not only affected by heat but is also affected by contact with certain metals such as bronze, brass, copper, cold rolled steel, or black iron processing equipment. Studies conducted on the canning of foods found that peas and beans lose 75% of certain B vitamins, and tomatoes lose 80% of their naturally occurring zinc content.
