Zinc is present in all human tissues and fluids. The average human body contains  up to 2.5 mg zinc. Zinc is an essential component of large number of enzymes participating in the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins as well as the metabolism of many micronutrients.

Zinc plays an important role in the immune system.

Dietary zinc is absorbed  from the small intestine and from the rat colon. It’s lost from the body through kidneys, skin and intestine. Starvation and muscle catabolism increase zinc losses in unrine. Strenuous exercise and high temperature could lead to zinc losses by perspiration.

Zinc protects against various vicious  agents ( including organic  compounds ), radiation and infectious agents.

Zinc  deficiency causes growth retardation( delayed sexual and bone maturation), delayed wound healing and inflammatory bowel disease.

Women and infants need up to 5.5 mg zinc   a day.

Red meat,  shellfish, whole-grain cereals, pulses, and legumes are the best source of zinc.