Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is a component of thousands of proteins in the human body. It is highly concentrated in specialized areas of the brain, pancreas, and adrenal glands, but is present in all cells, particularly in the nucleus.

Deficiencies: Signs of zinc deficiency include hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea, and wasting of body tissues. A deficiency in zinc can cause problems with eyesight, taste, smell, and memory. Chronic zinc deficiency in humans results in reduced growth and sexual development, which are reversible by raising zinc intake.

Food sources: Zinc is highly abundant in red and white meat and shellfish, and is also found in beans, nuts, almonds, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

2000-Calorie Diet Recommendations

Shown below are the reference numbers used to compute the Daily Value percentages that appear on the Nutrition Facts labels on foods sold in the U.S. These numbers are meant to approximate the nutrients needed for the average person consuming 2000 calories per day.

Click any of the vitamin or nutrient names below to learn more about the importance of each element, and to see detailed dietary allowances for specific population groups.

***Daily Value recommendations are based on a 2000-calorie diet. Recommendations for individuals will vary depending on gender, age, weight, and other factors.