People tend to consider zinc when they have a cold. Taking zinc supplements and lozenges won’t cure a cold, but they can boost your immune system so that if you do develop a cold it won’t last as long or develop into a more serious condition.
Oysters have the highest zinc content. However, meats, such as liver, chicken, and turkey are also excellent sources of zinc so that it is rare that people have a deficiency. Dairy products also contain significant levels of zinc. Vegetarians do not consume meat and are at greatest risk of zinc deficiency. In adults, an insufficient amount of zinc in the body can result in changes in the condition of the hair and skin, and a loss of appetite. Others who may have difficulty absorbing zinc include individuals in the hospital who receive nutrients through a feeding tube, alcoholics, and women who take birth control pills.
The recommended amount of zinc that individuals should consume is 15 milligrams. This amount is found in most multivitamins, so if you don’t consume the foods that are sources of zinc or it has been discovered that you have a zinc absorption problem, taking a multivitamin should be...