What are the functions of zinc? Why does zinc deficiency occur?

If someone's hair suddenly turns red or yellow without any external influence, we all know that this is zinc deficiency. So why does a person have zinc deficiency? What are the functions of zinc?

Zinc - "Flower of Life", "Source of Intelligence"

Zinc is one of the pillar elements of life. In the human body, zinc is a widely distributed essential trace element and is also an abundant trace element in cells. In life activities, zinc plays the role of a "life gear" for transporting substances and energy metabolism, and is also an essential component of enzymes required for DNA replication, RNA transcription and nucleic acid synthesis. In addition, zinc is widely distributed in the human nervous, immune, blood, bone and digestive systems, and participates in the synthesis and activation of nearly 300 enzymes in the body. Due to the "indissoluble bond" between zinc and life and its extremely critical role in the development of intelligence, people call zinc the "flower of life" and the "source of intelligence."

Zinc can maintain the body's growth and development, maintain normal taste function and appetite, maintain normal metabolic function of vitamin A and the ability to adapt to a dark environment, promote growth and development and normal sexual development, enhance immunity, and maintain the function of the central nervous system.

Causes of Zinc Deficiency

1. Insufficient zinc intake

Food is the main source of zinc. Zinc is mainly found in seafood (oysters, crab meat, seaweed), animal liver, beef, lean meat, poultry, and egg yolks. Other foods contain less zinc. If you are picky eaters or eat less for a long time, it is easy to lead to insufficient zinc intake in food, causing zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency in turn affects appetite, creating a vicious cycle.

2. Increased zinc demand

Pregnant women and children in their growing years have a significantly increased daily zinc demand. If you are not careful about your diet, you are prone to zinc deficiency. Pregnant women in the late pregnancy need about 1 times more zinc than before pregnancy. They should pay more attention to zinc intake. If necessary, they can take safe and efficient zinc preparations such as Xinxibao Zinc Selenium to quickly supplement zinc to avoid endangering their own health and affecting the development of the fetus. Severe zinc deficiency in pregnant women can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth.

3. Zinc absorption disorder

Zinc ingested by the human body needs to be transformed and absorbed before it can be used by the human body. Children's gastrointestinal development is not yet mature, and the gastrointestinal function of the elderly gradually declines with the aging of cells. Their ability to digest and absorb zinc in food is limited. Even if they eat a lot of fish and meat, they are prone to zinc deficiency. In addition, some diseases and bad living habits can also inhibit the absorption of zinc, causing zinc deficiency.

4. Excessive loss of zinc

In the hot summer, the body sweats a lot, causing zinc to be excreted from the body in large quantities through sweat. If the diet is not adequate, zinc deficiency can also occur. Many children tend to lose appetite and appetite in the summer, largely due to insufficient zinc in the body. In addition, some chronic diseases can accelerate the consumption of zinc, and long-term unhealed conditions can also cause zinc deficiency.

Zinc is an important element that is indispensable for human development. It is involved in normal cell metabolism, regulation of physiological functions, and physical and intellectual development. Long-term zinc deficiency can cause irreversible effects and should be taken seriously, and zinc supplementation should be taken in time to improve the condition.