Zinc is found in almost every cell in the bodyZinc is found in almost every cell. It supports a healthy immune system, wound healing and promote the senses of taste and smell. The RDA for zinc is 11 mg per day for males and 8 mg per day for females. For individuals over 65 there is no recommendation for higher doses although average zinc intake tends to be lower than the RDA and there are several circumstances which might decrease an older person's ability to absorb zinc from the diet: 1. Aging individuals may not absorb zinc as readily as younger individuals 2. Aging individuals may suffer more frequent occurrences of diseases which change zinc utilization. 3. Aging individuals my have increased usage of drugs which increase zinc excretion and cause mild zinc deficiency. 4. Vegetarians may need supplementation because zinc absorbs ion is lower from plant sources than from animal ones. Zinc deficiency of even a small degree can affect the immune system and loss of zinc from biological membranes can contribute to increased damage from oxidation.
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