Zinc Research Paper

Words: 754
Pages: 4

Zinc Research Paper
Ashley L. Brown
Nutrition 241, Shannon Smith
Glendale Community College

Zinc Research Paper 2 Zinc is a trace mineral essential to our body, it is apart of many enzymes and is an ingredient in insulin. Zinc has many functions in our body, aiding in metabolism, is a component of insulin and aids in our immune system. It is needed because all of our cells contain it. Zinc is vital in our diet and it is found in many food sources. Zinc is recommended to be in our daily diets. Adults need about 8 milligrams a day for women and 11 milligrams a day for men. Our bodies are made up of 2-3 grams of zinc, which is found in our muscles and bones primarily (Mayo Clinic). Zinc intake recommendations are higher in the United States than any other country.(Rolfes, 2013)
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Oysters have the highest amount of zinc per serving compared to any other source. It contains 74 milligrams of zinc per serving. Beef is next in the ranking with about 7 milligrams of zinc per serving. Oysters contain more than ten times the amount than beef, and beef is the second highest food source containing zinc. Protein-dense food, like meat, fish and poultry, is where zinc is mainly found. It is also found in milk and dairy products. Zinc is also found in beans and nuts. There are some fruits and vegetables that contain zinc, but in low percentages. Vegetables zinc levels vary depending on the soil’s richness in zinc that the vegetables are grown in.