People tend to consider zinc when they have a cold. Taking zinc supplements and lozenges won't cure a cold, but they can boost your immune system so that if you do develop a cold it won't last as long or develop into a more serious condition.

Oysters have the highest zinc content. However, meats, such as liver, chicken, and turkey are also excellent sources of zinc so that it is rare that people have a deficiency. Dairy products also contain significant levels of zinc. Vegetarians do not consume meat and are at greatest risk of zinc deficiency. In adults, an insufficient amount of zinc in the body can result in changes in the condition of the hair and skin, and a loss of appetite. Others who may have difficulty absorbing zinc include individuals in the hospital who receive nutrients through a feeding tube, alcoholics, and women who take birth control pills.

The recommended amount of zinc that individuals should consume is 15 milligrams. This amount is found in most multivitamins, so if you don't consume the foods that are sources of zinc or it has been discovered that you have a zinc absorption problem, taking a multivitamin should be sufficient to obtain the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of zinc. The case for taking a multivitamin with zinc makes sense because zinc is not stored in the body and you need the minimum every day.

Zinc has been discovered to assist couples with fertility. High doses of zinc (50 milligrams) can result in an increase in semen. Zinc supplementation is particularly beneficial in men who have a low sperm count. In women, zinc supplementation can make conception more likely by affecting the levels of hormones in the body.

This method of fertility treatment is one that should not be undertaken without first consulting a medical doctor. High doses of zinc supplements can affect the body's ability to absorb copper, a mineral that is necessary for a healthy immune system. High doses of zinc can also lower the amount of high-density (good cholesterol) in the blood. Zinc supplementation may not be a good idea if you are taking medication.

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John Gibb is the owner of Nutrition guides, a website offering free nutrition advice and a quality nutrition book for newsletter subscribers.