A Good Zinc Supplement Can Avoid Zinc Deficiency In Vegetarians

Meat is a main dietary source for zinc, but vegetarians can avoid zinc deficiency by taking a good zinc supplement. Getting enough of this mineral is important for a healthy immune system and normal growth and development in children and young adults. It also stimulates the activity of many enzymes within the body and helps us to taste and even smell.

A good zinc supplement should provide about 11 MG zinc for adults and lesser amounts for children (check with your physician). Dietary sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, seafood, poultry, beans and nuts. It has been shown that meat helps aid the absorption of zinc, so if you are strictly a vegetarian you might want to take a bit more than the RDA to insure you absorb at least the RDA. Check with your doctor to find out how much more might be necessary.

Symptoms of a Zinc deficiency can include hair loss, diarrhea, growth retardation, impotence, wounds that don't heal quickly, loss of taste and loss of appetite.

In addition to vegetarians, people with other illnesses or bad dietary habits may be prone to zinc deficiency and could benefit from a zinc supplement. These include alcoholics and those who have gastrointestinal issues that cause chronic diarrhea. If you fall into any of these categories, consult with your physician to determine your zinc need.