Why you need zinc, and how to get it
Jun 10, 2017 2:05 AM Zinc is a mineral your cells need to fight off bacteria and viruses and make the genetic material, called DNA, that tells your body how to work the way it should. It helps you heal wounds, aids your senses of smell and taste, and is important for infants and children as they grow. An adult man needs 11 milligrams a day, and an adult woman, 8 mg. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’ll need more-around 12 mg. Children need 2 to 11 mg depending on their age and gender. Talk to your paediatrician about how much is right for your child. You might be getting enough but some things can make it hard for your body to use it, including surgery on your stomach or intestines, alcohol abuse, and digestive diseases. People who don’t eat meat or animal products can have a harder time getting enough zinc from food. When zinc isn’t enough, it can make children grow more slowly and delay puberty in teens. Adults who are low on zinc...