Zinc is an essential trace mineral, which, next to iron, is the second most abundant trace mineral in the body. It is a component in over 200 enzymes and enzyme systems. Zinc is stored primarily in muscle but high concentrations are also found in red and white blood cells and the retina. It is also found in bones, skin, kidney, liver, and pancreas. In men, the prostate gland contains more zinc than any other organ.

Zinc is also involved in taste and smell and protects the liver from toxins. Zinc therapy is used for prostate disease, infections, sterility, diabetes, would healing, and ulcers. Calamine lotion used for skin irritation is rich in zinc content, which promotes protein synthesis.

Imbalanced Calcium supplements and high-calcium diets may reduce our zinc absorption up to 50 percent. The mineral is quickly expelled from the body by stress as well as exposure to toxic metals, pollutants, and pesticides.

Epilepsy, dyslexia, acute psychosis, dementia, anorexia nervosa, attention deficit disorder and depression may be implicated in zinc deficiency
also although research continues into these areas and dosage requirements.

Zinc is a part of some important antioxidant compounds, including superoxide dismutase (SOD). It may help protect the liver from chemical damage, helping with detoxification of the body. It is also required for a healthy immune system.

Supplementation of zinc may significantly stimulate the manufacture of white blood cells, one of the immune system's tumor-fighting components, and more generally supports the activities of our neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and our natural tumor-fighting (NK) cells.

Zinc's most valuable contribution may be its ability to balance blood sugar. The mineral assists the pancreas in manufacturing insulin and may protect the receptor sites on all cell membranes that allow the hormone to enter. Persons with diabetes may also benefit from zincs ability to lower high cholesterol.

Zinc is fundamental to the sexual and reproductive health of both men and women. Zinc is required for fertility, and usually is recommended when male or female libido is low.

Zinc levels may be found to be lower in women who experience premenstrual tension. A deficiency may decrease production of progesterone, which in turn may lead to a craving for sweet and salty foods.

Anti-inflammatory drugs or antihistamines that reduce stomach acids, you'll need zinc to help heal any ulcers that may result. If you're on an acid-reducing medication, you run the risk of deficiency, because zinc absorption depends on the stomach's hydrochloric acid. Forty percent of the people who have Crohn's disease are deficient in zinc, and replenishing their bodies' supply is critical to overcoming this common digestive disorder.

Deficiency signs and symptoms
Schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders, diabetes, prostate enlargement, cataracts, heart disease, brain and nervous system deterioration, immune malfunctions, inadequate digestion, ulcers, food allergies, toxic metal accumulation, poor would healing, colds osteoporosis, skin problems, fatigue, lack of appetite, hearing impairments, eating disorders, and the many symptoms of a blood sugar imbalance.