Zinc is a trace element that is part of a large number of enzymes in the body involved in metabolism.

Zinc is needed, among other things, for the building of proteins, the growth and development of tissue, and the proper functioning of the defense and immune system.

Zinc is found in small amounts in many different foods, such as meat, cheese, grain products, nuts, and shellfish.

As far as is known, there is no zinc deficiency or zinc surplus here with us.

Content

• What is zinc?
• Where is zinc found?
• What do you need zinc for?
• How much zinc do you need per day?
• What are the consequences of a zinc deficiency?
• What are the consequences of too much zinc?

What is zinc?

Zinc is a trace element. A trace element is a mineral of which the body needs very little.

Where is zinc found?

Zinc is found in small amounts in many different foods.

It is found in meat, cheese, grain products, nuts, and shellfish such as shrimp and mussels.

What do you need zinc for?

Zinc has various functions in the body:

• Zinc is a component of various enzymes in the body. Enzymes are substances necessary to enable processes in the body.
• Zinc is responsible for the formation of proteins and the growth and renewal of tissues and cells.
• Zinc plays a role in metabolism.
• Zinc contributes to the proper functioning of the defense and immune system.

How much zinc do you need per day?

For men aged 18 and over, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) zinc 9 milligrams per day.

For women aged 18 and over, that is 7 milligrams per day.

For children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, different recommendations apply.

What are the consequences of a zinc deficiency?

In the Netherlands and Belgium, there are no known cases of people with symptoms of zinc deficiency.

Symptoms of a zinc deficiency are:

• Abnormalities of the skin, mucous membranes, and skeleton
• Different smell and taste
• Delayed growth and development of the genus
• Reduced immunity to infections and night blindness

What are the consequences of too much zinc?

It is virtually impossible to consume too much zinc through food.

If you use a high dose of zinc tablets every day for a long time, a deficiency of koper originated.

Acceptable upper limit

Although it is difficult to get too much zinc through diet, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) indeed a acceptable upper limit established.