To maintain proper concentration of vitamin E in the blood, we should try to take and absorb sufficient zinc. Zinc also increases the absorption of vitamin A .

When there is a shortage of mineral, in the body, the result will be loss of senses of taste and smell. The fingernails will become thin, develop white spots and begin to peel. Other signs of Zinc deficiency include acne, delayed sexual maturation fatigue, growth impairments, loss of hair, level of cholesterol becoming high, impotence, infertility, diabetes, trouble in the prostrate, constant cold and flu, skin lesion and slow healing of wounds.

In order to have a constant supply of this mineral in our body system, we need to be taking he following foods regularly, brewer’s yeast, egg yokes, fish legumes, liver, meat mushrooms, oysters, poultry, pumpkin seeds, sardines, seafoods, soy beans, etc. Zinc can also be found in herbs like cayenne, rosehips, wild yam etc.

Sicknesses like diarrhea, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, may lower the level of zinc in the body. Also during perspiration, a significant amount of zinc is lost , consumption of hard water are found in grains and legumes bind with zinc thereby preventing it from being absorbed.

Anyone taking zinc and iron supplements should take them at different times. This is because taking both together will hinder each other’s activity.

Don’t take a total of more than 100mg of zinc daily because it can depress the immune system, while doses less than 100mg enhance immune response.