Zinc
Roles In The Body
- Activator of many key enzymes.
- Growth and development
- Male reproductive system
- Insulin production and secretion
- Prevention of cadmium and copper toxicity
Functions Of Zinc
Circulatory - maintenance of artery walls
Respiratory - removal of carbon dioxide and maintenance of acid-base balance
Digestive - production of digestive enzymes, and normal liver function
Nervous - essential for brain development and neurotransmitters
Special senses - appetite regulation, smell and taste
Reproductive - testes, ovaries, prostate, male fertility
Endocrine - insulin and pituitary gonadotropin secretion
Blood - red blood cells and blood proteins
Skeletal - bone integrity, prevention of osteoporosis
Skin - required for normal integrity of hair, nails, and skin
Protective - required for wound healing and integrity of the immune system
Metabolic - normal carbohydrate and protein metabolism
Detoxification - assists in removing toxic accumulation of cadmium and copper
Psychological - powerful mood stabilizer and 'sedative' mineral
Symptoms Associated With A Zinc Deficiency
alcoholic cirrhosis,fatigue, arteriosclerosis,hypoglycemia, cadmium toxicity,hypothyroidism
carbohydrate intolerance,impotence, copper toxicity,lack of taste and smell
conditions due to birth defects,low appetite, diabetes, nervousness, emotional problems, poor wound healing
failure to thrive,and prostate problems.
Symptoms Associated With A Zinc Excess
anemia, iron deficiency, nausea, depression,vomiting
diarrhea
Synergistic Nutrients
magnesium, vitamin A, D, E, B6, high-protein diet
Antagonistic Nutrients
Absorption - copper, cadmium, iron, chromium, manganese, selenium, phytic acid, vegetarian diets, soy, cereals, fiber in diet
Metabolic - copper, iron, cadmium
Copper
Roles In The Body
- Energy production
- Female reproductive system
- Blood formation
Functions Of Copper
Circulatory -structure of blood vessels, aorta and heart muscle
Blood -formation of hemoglobin
Nervous -maintenance of the myelin sheath on nerves
Reproductive -essential for fertility, menstrual cycle
Endocrine -synthesis of stimulatory neurotransmitters
Muscular/skeletal -bone and connective tissue structure
Immune system -necessary for the immune system
Integumentary -needed for skin, hair, nails and pigments
Energy -energy production (the electron transport system)
Symptoms Associated With A Copper Deficiency
anemia,hair loss, atherosclerosis, impaired collagen formation
demyelination of nerves,loss of hair color, diarrhea,low hormone production
edema,osteoporosis and fatigue.
Symptoms Associated With A Copper Excess
acne,fatigue,mind racing, adrenal insufficiency,fears,mood swings
allergies,fractures,multiple sclerosis, alopecia,headaches (migraine),myocardial infarction
anemia,hemorrhages,nausea,anorexia,heart disease,pancreatic dysfunction
anxiety, hyperactivity,premenstrual tension,arthritis,hypertension,schizophrenia
autism,hyperthyroidism, sexual inadequacy, cholesterol, elevated hypochlorhydria, spaciness
cancer,hypoglycemia,strokes, cystic fibrosis, infections, tooth decay, depression,inflammation, urinary tract infections
diabetes,insomnia, vitamin deficiencies and estrogen (imbalance)
Synergistic Nutrients
Absorption - proteins
Antagonistic Nutrients
Absorption - zinc, manganese, iron, calcium, molybdenum, sulfur, mercury, cadmium, vitamin C
Utilization - zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B6, sulfur, molybdenum, manganese, iron