Zinc

Forms:  Zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate

Sources:  Oysters, beef, turkey, chicken

RDA:  13 mg for lactating mothers

Description:  Zinc is an important structural component in proteins and cell membranes.  It regulates gene expression, hormone release, nerve impulse transmission, and apopsis.  This makes zinc important for growth as well as cancer prevention.  A zinc deficiency can cause impaired growth and impaired mental development in children.  A deficiency can also cause slow wound healing and immune system deficiencies.  Dosages in excess of 40 mg/day are not recommended.