Spotlight on Zinc!

• It is a micronutrient (mineral) that people need to stay healthy.
• It is found in cells throughout the entire body.
• It helps our immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses.
• It is necessary for the body to make proteins and DNA.
• It is needed during pregnancy, infancy and childhood to ensure growth and development.
• It helps to heal wounds.
• It affects proper senses of taste and smell.
• A wide variety of foods contain zinc, so eating a varied diet is important.
  • Contains SOME: Beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products
  • GOOD Source: Red meat, poultry, seafood (esp. crab and lobster), and fortified breakfast cereals
  • BEST Source: Oysters
• Avoid nasal sprays with zinc as it could permanently affect senses of taste and smell if overused.
• Throat lozenges with zinc are ok to use, as are multivitamins and supplements.
• Signs of too much zinc include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea and headaches.If too much zinc is taken for a long time, it can lead to problems such as low copper levels, lower immunity, and low levels of HDL “good” cholesterol.