Most
people aren't aware of the importance of zinc in their diet.
Zinc deficiency can contribute to acne, fatigue, growth impairment,
slow wound healing, delayed sexual maturation, hair loss,
high cholesterol, and many other health problems.
Zinc deficiency can also impair the bodyıs ability to fight
infection. In children, this can greatly increase the risk
of suffering from two of the more common infectious childhood
diseases: pneumonia and diarrhea. But there may be a solution,
and it could be as easy as making sure you and your children
get enough zinc.
A study in the Journal of Pediatrics reviewed previous
research on the benefits of zinc supplementation, finding
10 trials worthy of analysis. In seven studies, zinc supplementation
was provided at 1-2 times the recommended daily allowance
(RDA) 5-7 times per week. In the remaining three studies,
zinc supplementation amounted to 2-4 times the RDA daily for
two weeks.
Zinc supplementation reduced the risk of developing diarrhea
and pneumonia in both sets of trials. The authors note that
these results emphasize the importance of adequate daily zinc
intake, and add that their findings are especially significant
to developing countries where zinc deficiency is common (and
where diarrhea and pneumonia represent the two leading causes
of death).
Good sources of zinc include fish, egg yolks, lima beans,
meats, pecans, poultry, soybeans and whole grains. Your chiropractor
can evaluate the nutritional needs of you and your children
and help ensure that your family get the vitamins and minerals
necessary to stay healthy and fight disease.
Reference:
Bhutta ZA, Black RE, Brown KH, et al. Prevention of diarrhea
and pneumonia by zinc supplementation in children in developing
countries: pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Journal of Pediatrics 1999: Vol. 135, pp689-97.
|