Zinc (Zn) is a transition metal belonging to group 12 of the periodic table. As an "essential trace element" zinc has substantial biological importance for plants and animals.
Zinc is responsible for a number of different functions in the human body and it helps stimulate the activity of 100 different enzymes.
This Medical News Today information article highlights the potential health benefits of zinc and provides details on good sources of the nutrient, symptoms of zinc deficiency, and precautions to consider - associated with excessive zinc intake.
Only a very small intake of zinc is necessary to reap the benefits. Currently, the "Recommended Dietary Allowance" (RDA) for zinc in the US is: 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men.1
Having a low level of zinc makes a person more susceptible to disease and illness. It has been reported that zinc deficiency is responsible for over 800,000 childhood deaths in the world every year.
The element is naturally found in a number of different foods, but it is also available as a dietary supplement.