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Zinc
Established research area
A trace mineral involved in taste, skin, wound repair, and the body's normal defense system. Oysters, red meat, and pumpkin seeds are among the richest sources.
Often discussed in relation to
Commonly noted
- Commonly noted
- Zinc is a trace mineral the body uses for taste and smell, skin maintenance, wound repair, and the normal working of its defense system.
- Low intake
- Low zinc status is commonly discussed in relation to a reduced sense of taste, slower wound repair, and skin changes.
- Higher intake
- Very high zinc from supplements is commonly discussed in relation to nausea and, over time, lowered copper levels; the commonly cited upper intake level for adults is 40 mg a day.
Source: NIH ODS
Reference intakes
General reference figures for a typical adult, not a personal target.
- rdaadult_female8 mgDRI/NASEM
- rdaadult_male11 mgDRI/NASEM
- uladult40 mgDRI/NASEM
Foods and products containing it
OatsFoodCrabFoodLobsterFoodWhole-wheat breadFoodPecansFoodPine nutsFoodShiitake mushroomsFoodShrimpFoodParmesanFoodPorkFoodDark chocolateFoodFarroFoodGoudaFoodCacaoFoodBeefFoodMultivitaminSupplementBisonFoodBreakfast cereal (fortified)FoodChicken thighFoodGoat meatFoodMaple syrupFoodChickpeasFoodCashewsFoodNutsFoodHemp seedsFoodRyeFoodHamFoodLentilsFoodManchegoFoodOystersFoodDuckFoodTahiniFoodZMA (supplement)SupplementPecorinoFoodGreek yogurtFoodGround beefFoodSpeltFoodMozzarellaFoodTurkeyFoodSesame seedsFoodGruyèreFoodZinc (supplement)SupplementEgusi seedsFoodHearts of palmFoodLambFoodClamsFoodCashew butterFoodVenisonFoodCheddar cheeseFoodPumpkin seedsFood