Category Archives: Zinc

Zinc, Taste and Growth

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Zinc deficiency has been shown to be associated with growth retardation in humans. The growth retardation may be accompanied by a lowered taste acuity and a reduced accumulation of zinc in the tissues of the body. In particular, concentrations of … Continue reading →

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Alkaline Phosphatase: Sensitive Zinc Biomarker?

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Essential minerals are required as cofactors for a number of enzymes. Low intakes of specific minerals over time cause a reduction in tissue concentrations of that mineral and this then decreases the activity of the specific enzymes associated with that … Continue reading →

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Oysters: Nutrient Dense Seafood

Posted on July 12, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Edible oysters belong to two different genera. The Ostrea and Crassostrea differ in appearance but have similar tastes. While the Ostrea have round and scalloped shells, the Crassostrea have shells that are long and asymmetrical. Crassostrea virginica and Crassostrea gigas … Continue reading →

Posted in Copper, Docosahexaenoic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Iron, Oysters, Selenium, Vitamin B, Zinc | Comments Off on Oysters: Nutrient Dense Seafood

Mineral Antagonism: Zinc and Copper

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Trace (micro) minerals, are required in small microgram amounts by humans. Trace minerals are essential nutrients and as such a failure to obtain an adequate intake causes specific deficiency diseases and ultimately death. Plants are a good source of many … Continue reading →

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Mineral Losses in Sweat: Are They Significant?

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Evidence suggests that trace mineral intakes in developed nations are declining. This relates partly to the increasing consumption of the typical Western diet that is naturally high in mineral poor processed foods but naturally low in the types of foods … Continue reading →

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Vegetarianism and Mineral Status

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Plant based diets confer health benefits to humans. This relates to the high concentrations of phytochemicals contained within the plant foods. Plants are rich in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants and these components provide a substantial amount of the health benefits … Continue reading →

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Organically Chelated Minerals: Better Absorption

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Trace minerals are metallic elements required in very small microgram concentrations in the diet. When absorbed they associate with proteins such as enzymes where their ionic charges give shape and structure to the protein component. Without their trace mineral cofactors, … Continue reading →

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Zinc Deficiency: Altered Taste Perception

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Zinc is an important trace mineral, required as a cofactor to more proteins than any other mineral in human nutrition. Evidence suggests that zinc intakes have been declining in Western nations as food habits have changed. In particular, the gradual … Continue reading →

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Zinc and Iron Mineral Absorption Interactions

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Zinc is an important trace mineral required as a cofactor in a number of enzymes including the extensively researched antioxidant enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. Iron too is a trace mineral and is most well known for its role as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Digestion and Absorption, Iron, Micronutrients, Multivitamin Multimineral, Trace Minerals, Zinc | Comments Off on Zinc and Iron Mineral Absorption Interactions

Are Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements Effective?

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Evidence in the scientific literature suggests that certain minerals and vitamin intakes are deficient in large proportions of Western populations. Essential nutrients that are of particular concern include vitamin D, chromium, calcium and magnesium. The main reason for low intake … Continue reading →

Posted in Calcium, Exercise, Macrominerals, Magnesium, Micronutrients, Multivitamin Multimineral, Trace Minerals, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc | Comments Off on Are Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements Effective?