Zinc is a nutrient that people need to stay healthy. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. It helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses. The body also needs zinc to make proteins and DNA, the genetic material in all cells. During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood, the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. Zinc also helps wounds heal and is important for proper senses of taste and smell.
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How much zinc do I need?
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The amount of zinc you need each day depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts for different ages are listed below in milligrams (mg):
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Life Stage
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Recommended Amount
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Birth to 6 months
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2 mg
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Infants 7\u201312 months
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3 mg
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Children 1\u20133 years
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3 mg
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Children 4\u20138 years
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5 mg
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Children 9\u201313 years
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8 mg
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Teens 14\u201318 years (boys)
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11 mg
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Teens 14\u201318 years (girls)
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9 mg
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Adults (men)
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11 mg
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Adults (women)
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8 mg
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Pregnant teens
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12 mg
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Pregnant women
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11 mg
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Breastfeeding teens
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13 mg
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Breastfeeding women
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12 mg
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What foods provide zinc?
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Zinc is found in a wide variety of foods. You can get recommended amounts of zinc by eating a variety of foods including the following:
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Oysters, which are the best source of zinc.
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Red meat, poultry, seafood such as crab and lobsters, and fortified breakfast cereals, which are also good sources of zinc.
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Beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products, which provide some zinc.
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What kinds of zinc dietary supplements are available?
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Zinc is present in almost all multivitamin/mineral dietary supplements. It is also available alone or combined with calcium, magnesium or other ingredients in dietary supplements. Dietary supplements can have several different forms of zinc including zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate and zinc acetate. It is not clear whether one form is better than the others.
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Zinc is also found in some oral over-the-counter products, including those labeled as homeopathic medications for colds. Use of nasal sprays and gels that contain zinc has been associated with the loss of the sense of smell, in some cases long-lasting or permanent. Currently, these safety concerns have not been found to be associated with oral products containing zinc, such as cold lozenges.
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Zinc is also present in some denture adhesive creams. Using large amounts of these products, well beyond recommended levels, could lead to excessive zinc intake and copper deficiency. This can cause neurological problems, including numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.
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Am I getting enough zinc?
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Most people in the United States get enough zinc from the foods they eat.
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However, certain groups of people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough zinc:
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People who have had gastrointestinal surgery, such as weight loss surgery, or who have digestive disorders, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. These conditions can both decrease the amount of zinc that the body absorbs and increase the amount lost in the urine.
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Vegetarians because they do not eat meat, which is a good source of zinc. Also, the beans and grains they typically eat have compounds that keep zinc from being fully absorbed by the body. For this reason, vegetarians might need to eat as much as 50% more zinc than the recommended amounts.
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Older infants who are breastfed because breast milk does not have enough zinc for infants over 6 months of age. Older infants who do not take formula should be given foods that have zinc such as pureed meats. Formula-fed infants get enough zinc from infant formula.
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Alcoholics because alcoholic beverages decrease the amount of zinc that the body absorbs and increase the amount lost in the urine. Also, many alcoholics eat a limited amount and variety of food, so they may not get enough zinc.
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People with sickle cell disease because they might need more zinc.
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What happens if I don't get enough zinc?
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Zinc deficiency is rare in North America. It causes slow growth in infants and children, delayed sexual development in adolescents and impotence in men. Zinc deficiency also causes hair loss, diarrhea, eye and skin sores and loss of appetite. Weight loss, problems with wound healing, decreased ability to taste food, and lower alertness levels can also occur.
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Many of these symptoms can be signs of problems other than zinc deficiency. If you have these symptoms, your doctor can help determine whether you might have a zinc deficiency.
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What are some effects of zinc on health?
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Scientists are studying zinc to learn about its effects on the immune system (the body's defense system against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders). Scientists are also researching possible connections between zinc and the health problems discussed below.
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Immune system and wound healing
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The body's immune system needs zinc to do its job. Older people and children in developing countries who have low levels of zinc might have a higher risk of getting pneumonia and other infections. Zinc also helps the skin stay healthy. Some people who have skin ulcers might benefit from zinc dietary supplements, but only if they have low levels of zinc.
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Diarrhea
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Children in developing countries often die from diarrhea. Studies show that zinc dietary supplements help reduce the symptoms and duration of diarrhea in these children, many of whom are zinc deficient or otherwise malnourished. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that children with diarrhea take zinc for 10\u201314 days (20 mg/day, or 10 mg/day for infants under 6 months). It is not clear whether zinc dietary supplements can help treat diarrhea in children who get enough zinc, such as most children in the United States.
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The common cold
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Some studies suggest that zinc lozenges or syrup help speed recovery from the common cold if you start taking them within 1 to 3 days of coming down with a cold. However, more study is needed to determine the best dose and form of zinc, as well as how often and how long it should be taken before zinc can be recommended as a treatment for the common cold.
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
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AMD is an eye disease that gradually causes vision loss. Research suggests that zinc might help slow AMD progression. In a large study among older people with AMD who were at high risk of developing advanced AMD, those who took a daily dietary supplement with 80 mg zinc, 500 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta-carotene, and 2 mg copper for about 6 years had a lower chance of developing advanced AMD and less vision loss than those who did not take the dietary supplement. In the same study, people at high risk of the disease who took dietary supplements containing only zinc also had a lower risk of getting advanced AMD than those who did not take zinc dietary supplements. People who have or are developing the disease might want to talk with their doctor about taking dietary supplements.
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Can zinc be harmful?
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Yes, if you get too much. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. When people take too much zinc for a long time, they sometimes have problems such as low copper levels, lower immunity, and low levels of HDL cholesterol (the \"good\" cholesterol).
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The daily upper limits for zinc include intakes from all sources\u2014food, beverages, and supplements\u2014and are listed below. These levels do not apply to people who are taking zinc for medical reasons under the care of a doctor:
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Life Stage
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Upper Limit
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Birth to 6 months
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4 mg
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Infants 7\u201312 months
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5 mg
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Children 1\u20133 years
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7 mg
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Children 4\u20138 years
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12 mg
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Children 9\u201313 years
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23 mg
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Teens 14\u201318 years
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34 mg
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Adults
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40 mg
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Does zinc interact with medications or other dietary supplements?
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Yes. Zinc dietary supplements can interact or interfere with medicines that you take and, in some cases, medicines can lower zinc levels in the body. Here are several examples:
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Taking a zinc dietary supplement along with quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics (such as Cipro\u00ae, Achromycin\u00ae, and Sumycin\u00ae) reduces the amount of both zinc and the antibiotic that the body absorbs. Taking the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4\u20136 hours after taking a zinc dietary supplement helps minimize this effect.
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Zinc dietary supplements can reduce the amount of penicillamine (a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis) that the body absorbs. They also make penicillamine work less well. Taking zinc dietary supplements at least 2 hours before or after taking penicillamine helps minimize this effect.
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Thiazide diuretics, such as chlorthalidone (brand name Hygroton\u00ae) and hydrochlorothiazide (brand names Esidrix\u00ae and HydroDIURIL\u00ae) increase the amount of zinc lost in the urine. Taking thiazide diuretics for a long time could decrease the amount of zinc in the body.
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Tell your doctor, pharmacist, and other healthcare providers about any dietary supplements and medicines you take. They can tell you if those dietary supplements might interact or interfere with your prescription or over-the-counter medicines or if the medicines might interfere with how your body absorbs, uses, or breaks down nutrients.
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Zinc and healthful eating
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People should get most of their nutrients from food and beverages, according to the federal government\u2019s Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Foods contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and other components that benefit health. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible to meet needs for one or more nutrients (e.g., during specific life stages such as pregnancy). For more information about building a healthy dietary pattern, see the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s MyPlate.
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Where can I find out more about zinc?
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For general information on zinc: \n
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Office of Dietary Supplements Health Professional Fact Sheet on Zinc
This fact sheet by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your healthcare providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health. Any mention in this publication of a specific product or service, or recommendation from an organization or professional society, does not represent an endorsement by ODS of that product, service, or expert advice.
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Glossary
\n
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\n absorption \n
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\n In nutrition, the process of moving protein, carbohydrates, fats, and other nutrients from the digestive system into the bloodstream. Most absorption occurs in the small intestine. \n
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\n age-related macular degeneration \n
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\n AMD. An eye disease that results in a loss of central, \"straight-ahead\" vision. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in older Americans. \n
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\n alcoholic \n
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\n A person who is not able to stop drinking once he or she has begun, needs to drink larger amounts of alcohol to get high, and suffers withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety) after stopping drinking. \n
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\n antibiotic \n
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\n A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. \n
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\n association \n
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\n A relationship between two conditions or states such that if one is present, the other is likely to be present as well. An association between two conditions or states, however, does not necessarily imply a cause and effect relationship. The terms association and relationship are often used interchangeably. \n
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\n bacteria \n
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\n Single-celled organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Bacteria are found everywhere and may be helpful or harmful. \n
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\n beta-carotene \n
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\n A carotenoid found in carrots, cantaloupe, apricots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, mangos, collard greens, spinach, kale, broccoli, and other orange, red, and dark green fruits and vegetables. \n
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\n calcium \n
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\n A mineral found throughout the body. Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth, for nerves and enzymes to function properly, and for blood clotting. Calcium is found in some foods, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, and in Chinese cabbage, kale, broccoli and fortified foods, such as many drinks, tofu, and cereals. \n
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\n cell \n
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\n The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells, which are the smallest units of living structure capable of independent existence. \n
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\n cholesterol \n
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\n A substance found throughout the body. It is made by the liver and is an important component of cells. Cholesterol is also used to make hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D. Foods that come from animals contain cholesterol, including eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry and fish. High blood levels of cholesterol increase a person's chance (risk) of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease. \n
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\n common cold \n
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\n A nose and throat infection caused by a virus. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, congestion, sore throat, and cough. \n
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\n compound \n
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\n In pharmacy, a substance that contains more than one ingredient. \n
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\n copper \n
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\n In nutrition, a mineral the body needs (along with iron) to make red blood cells. Copper also helps keep the immune system, blood vessels, nerves, and bones healthy. Copper is found in some foods, including oysters and other shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, organ meats, dark leafy greens, and dried fruits. \n
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\n Crohn's disease \n
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\n A long-lasting (chronic) disease that causes severe irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. It usually affects the lower small intestine (called the ileum) or the colon, but it can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. It is painful, causing severe watery or bloody diarrhea, and may lead to life-threatening complications. Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. \n
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\n dairy food \n
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\n Milk and products made with milk, such as buttermilk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, and ice cream. \n
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\n deficiency \n
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\n An amount that is not enough; a shortage. \n
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\n deoxyribonucleic acid \n
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\n DNA. The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. \n
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\n diarrhea \n
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\n Loose, watery stools. \n
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\n dietary fiber \n
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\n A substance in plants that you cannot digest. It adds bulk to your diet to make you feel full, helps prevent constipation, and may help lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Good sources of dietary fiber include whole grains (such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, bulgur, and popcorn), legumes (such as black beans, garbanzo beans, split peas, and lentils), nuts, seeds, fruit, and vegetables. \n
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\n Dietary Guidelines for Americans \n
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\n Advice from the federal government to promote health and reduce the chance (risk) of long-lasting (chronic) diseases through nutrition and physical activity. The Guidelines are updated and published every 5 years by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture. \n
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\n dietary supplement \n
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\n A product that is intended to supplement the diet. A dietary supplement contains one or more dietary ingredients (including vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and other substances) or their components; is intended to be taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid; and is identified on the front label of the product as being a dietary supplement. \n
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\n digestive disorder \n
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\n An abnormal condition affecting any part of the digestive tract (mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus) or organs involved in digestion (such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, or gallbladder). Also called digestive disease. \n
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\n diuretic \n
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\n A drug or other substance that increases the amount of urine made by the body. \n
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\n dose \n
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\n The amount of medicine or other substance taken at one time or over a specific period of time. \n
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\n drug \n
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\n Any substance (other than food) that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also, a substance that alters mood or body function or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic. \n
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\n duration \n
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\n The length of time that something lasts. \n
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\n fortified \n
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\n When nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) are added to a food product. For example, when calcium is added to orange juice, the orange juice is said to be \"fortified with calcium\". Similarly, many breakfast cereals are \"fortified\" with several vitamins and minerals. \n
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\n gastrointestinal \n
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\n GI. Having to do with the gastrointestinal tract (the large, muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, where the movement of muscles and release of hormones and enzymes digest food). \n
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\n gene \n
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\n The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. \n
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\n HDL cholesterol \n
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\n Good cholesterol. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is a type of protein that carries excess cholesterol from the arteries to the liver to be removed from the body. \n
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\n health care provider \n
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\n A person who supplies health care services. Health care providers include individuals with professional training (including doctors, nurses, technicians, and aides). \n
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\n homeopathy \n
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\n An alternative medical system based on the ideas that \"like cures like\" (a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people) and the \"law of minimum dose\" (the lower the dose of medication, the greater its effectiveness). Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, mineral, or animal substances and are available as pills placed under the tongue, ointments, gels, drops, and creams. \n
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\n immune system \n
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\n A group of organs and cells that defends the body against infection, disease, and altered (mutated) cells. It includes the thymus, spleen, lymphatic system (lymph nodes and lymph vessels), bone marrow, tonsils, and white blood cells. \n
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\n immunity \n
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\n The condition of being protected against or resistant to an infectious disease. \n
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\n impotence \n
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\n In medicine, the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Also called erectile dysfunction. \n
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\n infant \n
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\n A child younger than 12 months old. \n
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\n infant formula \n
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\n An artificial form of breast milk. \n
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\n infection \n
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\n The invasion and spread of germs in the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. \n
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\n ingredient \n
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\n In a dietary supplement, an ingredient is a component of the product, such as the main nutrient (vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid, or enzyme) or any binder, color, filler flavor, or sweetener. In herbal supplements, the common name and Latin name (the genus and species) of the plant is given in the ingredient list. On a dietary supplement label, the ingredients are listed by weight, with the ingredient used in the largest amount first on the list and the ingredient used in the least amount at the end of the list. \n
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\n interaction \n
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\n A change in the way a dietary supplement acts in the body when taken with certain other supplements, medicines, or foods, or when taken with certain medical conditions. Interactions may cause the dietary supplement to be more or less effective, or cause effects on the body that are not expected. \n
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\n IU \n
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\n International Unit. A measurement used to measure the activity of some vitamins and other biological substances (such as enzymes and hormones). \n
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\n label \n
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\n When referring to dietary supplements, information that appears on the product container, including a descriptive name of the product stating that it is a \"supplement\"; the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; a complete list of ingredients; and each dietary ingredient contained in the product. Supplements must also include directions for use, nutrition labeling in the form of a Supplement Facts panel that identifies each dietary ingredient contained in the product and the serving size, amount, and active ingredients. \n
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\n lozenge \n
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\n A small, hard candy containing medicine that is dissolved in the mouth. \n
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\n magnesium \n
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\n In nutrition, a mineral the body needs for normal muscles, nerves, and bones. It also helps keep a steady heart rhythm, a healthy immune system, normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and is involved in making energy and protein for the body. Magnesium is found in some foods, including green vegetables, beans and peas, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. \n
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\n malnourished \n
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\n Describes a condition caused by not getting enough calories or the right amount of key nutrients needed for health. Key nutrients include vitamins and minerals. \n
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\n milligram \n
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\n mg. A measure of weight. It is a metric unit of mass equal to 0.001 gram (it weighs 28,000 times less than an ounce). \n
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\n mineral \n
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\n In nutrition, an inorganic substance found in the earth that is required to maintain health. \n
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\n multivitamin/mineral dietary supplement \n
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\n MVM. A product that is meant to supplement the diet. MVMs contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. The number and amounts of these nutrients can vary substantially by product. \n
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\n nasal \n
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\n Having to do with the nose. \n
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\n nausea \n
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\n The uneasy feeling of having an urge to throw up (vomit). \n \n
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\n neurologic \n
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\n Having to do with nerves and the nervous system. \n
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\n nutrient \n
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\n A chemical compound in food that is used by the body to function and maintain health. Examples of nutrients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. \n
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\n Office of Dietary Supplements \n
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\n ODS, Office of Disease Prevention, Office of Director, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. ODS strengthens knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the US population. \n
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\n oral \n
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\n By mouth; having to do with the mouth. \n
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\n pharmacist \n
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\n A person licensed to make and dispense (give out) prescription drugs and who has been taught how they work, how to use them, and their side effects. \n
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\n pneumonia \n
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\n Inflammation of one or both lungs. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, other germs, and injury can cause the lungs to become inflamed and fill with fluid. Symptoms can appear suddenly, range from mild to severe, and may include fever, chills, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, and difficult breathing. Anyone can develop pneumonia, but it is especially dangerous in babies, older people, and people with weakened immune systems, lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes. \n
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\n poultry \n
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\n Birds that are raised for eggs or meat, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. \n
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\n prescription \n
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\n A written order from a health care provider for medicine, therapy, or tests. \n
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\n progression \n
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\n In medicine, the course of a disease as it becomes worse. For example, as cancer progresses, it spreads in the body. \n
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\n protein \n
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\n A molecule made up of amino acids that the body needs for good health. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and muscle, and substances such as enzymes and antibodies. \n
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\n rheumatoid arthritis \n
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\n An autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It may cause severe joint damage, loss of function, and disability. The disease may last from months to a lifetime, and symptoms may improve and worsen over time. \n
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\n risk \n
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\n The chance or probability that a harmful event will occur. In health, for example, the chance that someone will develop a disease or condition. \n
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\n sickle cell disease \n
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\n An inherited disease in which the body makes abnormal red blood cells that carry less oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. These abnormal red blood cells form clumps that get stuck in the blood vessels, causing pain, infections, and organ damage. \n
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\n sign \n
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\n An indication of disease that can be seen and/or measured. Examples include high fever, high blood pressure, infection, and coughing up blood. \n
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\n supplement \n
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\n A nutrient that may be added to the diet to increase the intake of that nutrient. Sometimes used to mean dietary supplement. \n
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\n symptom \n
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\n A feeling of sickness that an individual can sense, but that cannot be measured by a healthcare professional. Examples include headache, tiredness, stomach ache, depression, and pain. \n
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\n thiazide diuretic \n
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\n A drug used in the treatment of high blood pressure and swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues (edema). It increases the amount of urine made by the body. \n
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\n treat \n
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\n To care for a patient with a disease by using medicine, surgery, or other approaches. \n
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\n ulcer \n
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\n A sore on the skin or in the lining of an organ or other tissue that deepens as cells die. Ulcers form where swelling, redness, pain, and warmth (inflammation) have killed the cells, then bleed and produce pus. \n
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\n ulcerative colitis \n
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\n Chronic inflammation of the colon that causes ulcers to form in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel. \n
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\n UNICEF \n
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\n An organization of the United Nations that provides food, clothing, health care, and support to women and children. \n
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\n upper limit \n
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\n UL. The largest daily intake of a nutrient considered safe for most people. Taking more than the UL is not recommended and may be harmful. The UL for each nutrient is set by the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. For example, the UL for vitamin A is 3,000 micrograms/day. Women who consume more than this amount every day shortly before or during pregnancy have an increased chance (risk) of having a baby with a birth defect. Also called the tolerable upper intake level. \n
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\n urine \n
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\n Excess liquids and wastes that have been filtered from the blood by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and removed from the body through the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body). \n
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\n US Department of Agriculture \n
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\n USDA promotes America's health through food and nutrition, and advances the science of nutrition by monitoring food and nutrient consumption and updating nutrient requirements and food composition data. USDA is responsible for food safety, improving nutrition and health by providing food assistance and nutrition education, expanding markets for agricultural products, managing and protecting US public and private lands, and providing financial programs to improve the economy and quality of rural American life. \n
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\n vegetarianism \n
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\n The practice of avoiding all or most animal products for environmental, philosophical, and health reasons. Vegetarians (people who practice vegetarianism) eat a diet based on foods that come from plants and may include some dairy products and eggs. See: vegetarian diet. \n
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\n virus \n
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\n An organism that can grow and multiply only inside the cells of living humans, plants, or animals. It is able to change (mutate) as it multiplies, which makes viral illnesses difficult to treat. Viruses cause many infections and diseases such as the common cold, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), herpes, and hepatitis. \n
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\n vitamin \n
\n
\n A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and maintain health. Examples are vitamins A, C, and E. \n
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\n vitamin C \n
\n
\n A nutrient needed by the body to make collagen (a protein found in cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bone, and blood vessels), to absorb iron from food, and for wound healing. It is an antioxidant and protects cells from free radical damage. Vitamin C is found in some foods including citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, dark green vegetables, tomatoes, and potatoes. Also called ascorbic acid. \n
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\n vitamin E \n
\n
\n A nutrient needed by the body to help keep the immune system healthy and to repair damage to DNA. It is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage. Vitamin E is found in some foods, including vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, fortified breakfast cereals, and spinach, broccoli, kiwi, and mangos. \n
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\n whole grain \n
\n
\n Unprocessed seeds of edible grasses, including brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, millet, popcorn, oats, quinoa, whole-grain barley, whole rye, whole wheat, and wild rice. Grains that are ground, cracked, or flaked can be labeled whole grain if they have the same amount of bran, germ, and endosperm (the inner part of the seed kernel) as the intact grain. Whole grains are sources of iron, magnesium, selenium, B vitamins, and dietary fiber. Eating whole grains may help lower the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. \n
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\n World Health Organization \n
\n
\n WHO. An agency of the United Nations that is concerned with worldwide health. \n
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\n zinc \n
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\n A mineral found in most cells of the body. It helps enzymes work properly, helps maintain a healthy immune system, helps maintain the senses of taste and smell, and is needed for wound healing, making DNA, and normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. Zinc is found in some foods, including oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products. \n
","description":"Find out what zinc is and what it does in your body, what foods provide it, and about zinc supplements.","id":18461,"mediaType":"Html","name":"Zinc: Fact Sheet for Consumers","sourceUrl":"https://ods.od.nih.gov/api/index.aspx?resourcename=Zinc&readinglevel=Consumer&outputformat=HTML"}]}