Zinc Deficiency
It was something many within the medical establishment thought could never occur. Even when confronted with widespread evidence, it was dismissed. Is zinc deficiency really an issue?

An article published in a 2003 edition of the British Medical Journal stated that it had been known for more than six decades that zinc is essential for the growth of micro-organisms, plants and animals. But up until 1961, according to the article, many believed that zinc deficiency in humans could never occur. It’s now clear, the article states, that “nutritional deficiency of zinc is widely prevalent and its morbidities are severe.”

Making Room for Heavy Lifter
We know that obtaining a wide range of minerals in our diet is an important aspect of good health, but some minerals deserve a little more attention. Zinc is one of these. It plays so many vital roles in our body and, as indicated in the medical journal article, is often deficient in our diets.

But how can we tell? Well, the body drops clues. Just follow the bread crumbs.

A lack of stomach acid could be one clue. Zinc is required by the parietal cells of the stomach to produce stomach acid. This acid is essential for proper digestion. Do you ever experience acid reflux? Do you get constipated? Have you lost your taste for meat or experienced a significant decrease in appetite? These could be signs that your body is not producing adequate stomach acid, which is often linked to a need for zinc.

Blanket Immunity
Zinc is also essential for proper endocrine function. Our delicate balance of hormones can not be achieved in the presence of a zinc deficiency. In men, zinc plays an important role in maintaining healthy levels of testosterone. In women, zinc can affect the balance of estrogen and progesterone and alleviate some of the symptoms of PMS.*

Zinc is perhaps best known for its role in supporting the immune system. Research shows that zinc can shorten the duration and severity of a cold. A deficiency of zinc affects the ability of the T-cells in the immune system to fight off infections properly.*

Zinc-Rich Foods
Fortunately there are several food sources for this vital mineral. Red meat and other meat sources are the best source of zinc. Other plant-based sources include pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, a variety of nuts and eggs. If your diet does not contain adequate levels of zinc, supplementation is also an option. A well-rounded multivitamin and mineral, such as RBC Life Science’s multivitamin/multimineral 24Seven, is an excellent way to ensure your nutritional bases are covered.

For additional zinc supplementation try RBC Life Sciences Immune 360. This product supports many aspects of immune health including its requirement for zinc. Immune 360 provides a powerful blend of nutrients to support the immune system and to protect health.*

With the addition of foods rich in zinc and appropriate supplementation, you can reap the benefits of having healthy levels of zinc in your system. A strong immune system and proper digestion are just a few of the known ways this mighty mineral can give you optimum health.*