Sources Of Zinc
Primary Sources of Zinc For Our Dietary Needs
Zinc is essential for sustaining life; therefore it's important to understand what the sources of zinc are, in order that we can best ensure that we are getting an adequate supply. Zinc is one of the more plentiful elements in the earth's crust, ranking in the top 25%. Insofar as the main source of the zinc for our nutritional needs is concerned, it is found in the soils throughout the world. Seawater also contains zinc, which has been absorbed from the earth's crust. In both cases, zinc is present only in trace amounts (a small fraction of one part per million). Fortunately, our bodies require only trace amounts for growth, proper functioning of our major organs, and general well-being.
Plant life is also dependent on zinc, absorbing it from the soil or from seawater. Animals eat the plants, and zinc moves up the food chain where at some point it is consumed by us and absorbed into our system. Seafood, especially oysters and shellfish, is generally regarded as one of the best sources of zinc in our diet, followed by meat (beef, pork, poultry), and dairy products.
Plants also help meet our requirements for zinc. Plants however generally contain lesser amounts of zinc than is found in seafood, meat, and dairy products. While in most cases, we can get sufficient quantities of zinc from vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains, this may not in all cases be true. Vegetarians can sometimes suffer a zinc deficiency, and may require supplements to get their required minimum amount. In general though, anyone who follows good dietary practices should receive, on a daily basis, their needed amount of zinc.
Another reason for studying potential sources of zinc, for nutritional purposes, is that our ability to absorb zinc is sometimes dependent on just what the source is. Other chemical elements or compounds present in a particular food item may inhibit zinc absorption. The reason why meat, dairy products, and seafood, are superior sources of zinc, is that they contain relatively few of these inhibiting compounds. Whole grain products on the other hand, contain compounds which tend to inhibit zinc absorption.
Certain zinc compounds, such as zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, zinc carbonate and zinc acetate, represent another source of the mineral. These compounds are often used to fortify food products and help us meet our daily requirement. Zinc oxide, for example, is the primary compound used to fortify bread. Curiously, zinc oxide is rather poorly absorbed, but is used extensively nevertheless, as it is easily obtainable and quite inexpensive.
In addition to natural foods and fortifying compounds, supplements may be taken as a source of zinc. These supplements are usually taken as pills or lozenges generally containing one or more of the above-mentioned compounds. When taking zinc supplements with other pills or medication, it is a good idea to consult with a physician or nutritional expert, as other elements or compounds may inhibit zinc absorption.