Is Zinc for Colds Just a Folk Remedy?
What happens to the body when we eliminate or drastically reduce our consumption of zinc? Some people do, in fact, have a hereditary zinc deficiency. Their condition is characterized by reduced T cell production and reduced levels of serum thymic factor – critical to the immune system resulting in an increase in the number and frequency of infections. All of these symptoms are reversible upon sufficient administration of zinc. Other problems resulting from zinc deficiency include impaired protein synthesis and energy production, poor collagen formation, poor alcohol tolerance, loss of taste and smell, and many pregnancy related problems. Pregnancy related problems include: dramatically increased chance of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), retarded fetal growth, increases in the risk of malformations (including cleft lip and pallette, brain and eye problems, skeletal problems, and poor genital development), and poor immune function. Zinc is not only necessary for healthy functioning o
