An important nutrient for growth, Zinc is crucial for immune function and helps in treating diarrhea and healing wounds. Antioxidant properties found in zinc help in fighting chronic disease and its deficiency can increase the risk of disease and illness.
Zinc enables the body to make proteins and DNA, prevents cell damage in the retina, and helps in delaying the progression of age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. It is found naturally in many foods like beans, meat, and fish and is also available as a dietary supplement.
Some research suggests that zinc may boost cognitive function.
Zinc and Covid-19
Maintaining adequate zinc levels could offer some protection against COVID-19. However, there is currently no evidence that it can prevent or treat COVID-19.
Sources
Zinc is found in beans, meats, nuts, fish, seafood, whole-grain cereals, dairy products, and some fortified foods. It is also available in capsules, tablets, creams, ointments, and a liquid form.
Deficiency
A zinc deficiency can increase the risk of various problems, like delayed growth in children, a loss of appetite and changes in taste, a higher risk of infections, fertility problems, diarrhea, problems with wound healing, eye, and skin lesions, and problems with thinking.
(Courtesy: Medical News Today)
