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ARS Home » Plains Area » Grand Forks, North Dakota » Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center » Healthy Body Weight Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #171092
Title: ZINC

Author
item Lukaski, Henry

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/3/2005
Publication Date: 1/15/2006
Citation: Lukaski, H.C. 2006. Zinc (Chapter 15). In: Driskell, J.A., Wolinsky, I (eds). Sports Nutrition, Vitamins and Trace Elements. New York, CRC Press. p. 217-234.

Interpretive Summary: Increasing interest by the public in components of the diet that promote health and well being prompt many questions about zinc. This mineral is a nutrient that plays key roles in regulating many biological functions ranging from cell development to brain function. Concern about the importance of zinc in health promotion stems from national nutritional surveys that report many Americans fail to consume adequate amounts of zinc. Also, studies of athletes reveal that low dietary zinc intake and decreased zinc status are found among athletes of all ages. Moreover, low zinc status was associated with impairments in muscle strength and work capacity. This review describes the biological roles of zinc and their relevance to people who seek to initiate and pursue physical activity as part of a healthful life-style. The effects of using zinc supplements on health and physical performance also are described. This information will be useful to health professionals who seek to determine amounts of zinc required to optimize biological function throughout the life span. It also will be informative to dietitians who contribute in planning of dietary regimens for individuals who seek to attain peak performance.

Technical Abstract: Increasing interest by the public in components of the diet that promote health and well being prompt many questions about zinc. This mineral is a nutrient that plays key roles in regulating many biological functions ranging from cell development to brain function. Concern about the importance of zinc in health promotion stems from national nutritional surveys that report many Americans fail to consume adequate amounts of zinc. Also, studies of athletes reveal that low dietary zinc intake and decreased zinc status are found among athletes of all ages. Moreover, low zinc status was associated with impairments in muscle strength and work capacity. This review describes the biological roles of zinc and their relevance to people who seek to initiate and pursue physical activity as part of a healthful life-style. The effects of using zinc supplements on health and physical performance also are described. This information will be useful to health professionals who seek to determine amounts of zinc required to optimize biological function throughout the life span. It also will be informative to dietitians who contribute in planning of dietary regimens for individuals who seek to attain peak performance.