IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT #1
from Karina Paskin, our awesome Clinical Nutritionist
WHO NEEDS ZINC?
We all require zinc at varying levels throughout our lifespan. Diet, lifestyle and individual factors all influence the amount of zinc we need. It is estimated that 47% of the population is zinc deficient.
HOW DOES IT HELP MY IMMUNITY?
• Is required for defence against oxidative stress
• Regulates gene expression
• Improves Natural Killer cell function
• Increases T cell numbers
In a nutshell zinc is needed for your body to produce enough immune cells and for those immune cells to function effectively.
WHAT FOODS HAVE ZINC?
Zinc is more abundant in animal sources such as oysters, seafood, meat, organ meat, eggs and milk. Zinc is found in smaller amounts in plant sources and are harder for the body to absorb. If you are following a plant based diet or have existing health issues your zinc requirements maybe higher.
HOW MUCH ZINC DO I NEED?
The National Health and Research Council recommends:
Infants: 3-6 mg
Children: 4.5-18 mg
Adults:12-16 mg
Pregnancy/Lactation: 16-22 mg
These Recommended Daily Intake values are based on a mixed diet of plants and animals.
DOI 10.3390/nu12010236
ISBN 978-1-875239-54-2