Zinc is one of many trace elements through the body, but also the fact that in relatively small quantities should not be allowed to obscure its meaning. It is necessary that the body for the production of more than 200 enzymes essential one of the most important of which are superoxide dismutase, a key antioxidant.
The special significance of superoxide dismutase is its role in the mopping-superoxide free radicals are released, the metabolism of oxygen in the cells, literally with every breath we take. Superoxide free radicals react with other products of the hydroxyl groups on energy, the harmful free radicals of all, and to attack the mitochondria of the cells themselves.
Since it is the mitochondria that ultimately the energy for the body of important reactions, mitochondrial damage caused by free radicals can only mean the production of more and less energy, and the gradual deterioration and degeneration of the whole organism.
As also of crucial importance for the body of the production of anti-oxidants, Zinc also helps the immune system to regulate the process by which defective or worn out cells die through the body before they have the opportunity to proliferate and ultimately perhaps cancer. These features alone make it one of the most important micronutrients that are necessary for the body's long-term health.
But there is much more than those of zinc, because it is now known that for the production of white blood cells, the body of one of the first lines of defense against infection, and for the proper functioning of the thymus, which strongly in the regulation the immune system. Zinc is therefore of crucial importance not only in staving from long-term degeneration, but in the fight against acute infections from.
And this well-documented value as a immune system booster Zinc has been popular as a cold and flu remedy, although the effectiveness of many lozenges sold for this purpose once a disease is still open. But the importance of a healthy immune system in the prevention of infections in the first place is not in doubt. And it is here that an adequate supply of zinc is essential.
Although the typical requirements for zinc is 15 mg per day, it is surprisingly easy to fall underneath. Some estimates suggest that typical intakes may take up to 9 mg for women and 13 mg for men, and even these can be poorly absorbed some nutritionists recommend that for a host of about 25 mg to assure an adequate supply.
It must also be remembered that certain groups of people with weak immune systems, such as HIV patients, diabetics and alcoholics have an increased requirement for zinc. But by far the largest group consists of about 65-year-olds. And it should be clear that the consequence of zinc deficiency can be much harder for those older people, given the fact that their immune systems are likely in each case to be less effective than those in healthy young adults.
So the conclusion seems simple: to ensure that the diet is adequate in zinc is important for the efficiency of the immune system and thus for the long-term health and wellbeing. But as always with the human body, the whole story is not quite so simple. The body functions holistically, and a surplus of one nutrient can cause a deficiency in another. As in too much iron, for example, may in itself lead to a shortage of zinc. But in the case of an excess of zinc (as defined by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board, as more than 40 mg per day), the associated lack of copper.
Lack of copper is rare enough to severe clinical symptoms, but this should not obscure the important features of this trace mineral. As with zinc, adequate supplies of copper for the production of anti-oxidant enzymes and energy in the body cells. Subclinical deficiencies were also in cases of mild anemia and depression of the immune system.
The best way to combat these risks is, of course, with the diet rich in zinc and copper. Red meat, especially beef, and shellfish are known as a good animal sources, and nuts and beans provide a useful source for vegetarians. Whole grains are a useful additional source of plant copper. Plant sources of zinc, but less well absorbed by the body than from animal sources, and so this is a nutrient, which require particular attention to following a vegetarian diet.
But given the poverty of the modern Western diet in the two vitamins and minerals, supplements can be in any case necessary to the health of the immune system, particularly, as discussed above, for the over 65s. Various forms of the specific zinc supplements available, but it is probably wiser to ensure that supplementation of zinc in a properly balanced multi-mineral formulation with an appropriate quantity of copper.
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