Zinc deficiency is common in developed countries.
Yes he may take 25mg three times a day for special supplemental purposes, but it must be with food. Supplement doses are 25 mg to 100 mg daily. If taken on an empty stomach zinc will cause nausea. Zinc is less bioavailable with milk, eggs and cereal.
Calcium decreases absorption of zinc, this is why not to take zinc with milk. So take the supplement with veggies for best absorption. Usually a three month period will replenish the body and then zinc rich foods included in the diet.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency are acne, alopecia, amnesia, anorexia, apathy, brittle nails, delayed sexual maturity, depression, eczema, fatigue, growth impairment, hyercholesterolemia, hypogeusia, impaired wound healing, impotence, irritability, lethargy, memory impairment, paranoia, sterility, and while spots on the nails.
In our area the underground water pipes are copper and copper also inhibits the absorption of zinc. Homosexuals are deficient on serum tests for zinc and it is crucial to make male hormones.
Essential fatty acids are also needed for making hormones.
Make sure the diet has zinc foods in it on long term basis.
Foods rich in zinc :
Oysters, eastern -- 3 ounces 150 mg
Crab, king --- 4 ounces 9 mg
Beef, cooked --- 4 ounces 6 mg
Wheat germ --- 1/4 cup 4 mg
Turkey, cooked --- 4 ounces 4 mg
Lamb, cooked --- 4 ounces 4 mg
Pork, cooked --- 4 ounces 3 mg
Cashews or almonds --- 1 cup 3 mg
Beans (legumes), cooked --- 1 cup 3 mg
Chicken, cooked --- 4 ounces 2 mg
[ 25. November 2003, 17:22: Message edited by: Carole Franske ]
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