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On last “Click chat” session on Wednesday, an interesting health topic arose; “Zinc deficiency symptoms” and “Zinc taste test”. After searching on ECU library, I found the following information. However if any one finds more info and like to add comments please feel free to share.
As claimed by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, n.d.), Zinc is an important element for muscle growth, immune system as well as wound healing. Regarding the food sources, Meat, eggs, legumes, cereals as well as shellfish are the great sources of zinc. Adult males are recommended to take 11 mg daily and the daily intake for adult females is 8 mg (Crook, 2011). Crook also asserted that diarrhea, poor wound healing and reduced sense of taste and smell is one of the symptoms of zinc deficiency.
In terms of deficiency test however, no evidence was found to prove the “taste test”. Crook (2011) found that the measurement of plasma or urinary zinc concentration is one of the most useful and valuable laboratory test.
The interesting fact is according to National Health and Medical Research Council (n.d.) iron supplements at some extent could decrease zinc absorption in the body which leads to the fact that the supplement intake should be under an allied health professional supervision including nutritionist or dietician.
References:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/risk-factors-nutrition/
Crook, M. A. (2011). Zinc deficiency. Nutrition, 27(10), 1085-1086. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2011.06.001
National Health and Medical Research Council (n.d.). Retrieved form https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/zinc
This post was edited by Cynthia at February 9, 2015 12:35:15 PM WATime"
Gazel- ECU Intern and moderator- 33 years old- Grand daugter of a gorgoues lady who experienced breast cancer.
Gayzel - From Jado. I did some research too, mostly USA sites and Ethical Nutrients Zinc Test liquid Aust.
Dosages seem to vary a lot between different sites. One site said if a person has Amalgam fillings in their teeth, the Zinc Taste Test won't work as it reacts to the Zinc. I rang my dentist who confirmed that I have 3 large amalgam fillings, so haven't proceeded with the Zinc Taste Test. Then zinc and copper can interact as well. I don't think I would be zinc deficient, as I put it on my fruit trees and vegies as part of a fertilizer mix.
I also put magnesium on fruit and vegies, my adviser said that I wouldn't need additional supplements.
Zinc and magnesium was for my achey, painful muscles and joints.
68 YO mother of two adult daughters. DX April 2012. Ca right breast. 10mm Grade 2. IDC. 0/2 nodes. ER/PR pos. Nodes clear. Wide local excision. Radiotherapy 6 weeks. Tamoxifen to be taken for 5 years. Moderate breast lymphoedema continuing, now Oct 2014..
Love, hope, Courage.
