Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that is for plants and animals. A lack of zinc can make a person more susceptible to disease and illness.
It is responsible for a number of functions in the human body, and it helps stimulate the activity of at least 100 different enzymes. Only a small intake of zinc is necessary to reap the benefits.
Currently, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc in the United States is 8 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 11 mg a day for men
benefits
Zinc and regulating immune function
Zinc for treating diarrhea
Zinc effects on learning and memory
Zinc to treat the common cold
Zinc's role in wound healing
zinc increase testosterone
Zinc and decreased risk of age-related chronic disease
Zinc for preventing age-related macular degeneration
Zinc and fertility
Several studies and trials have linked poor zinc status with low sperm quality. For example, one study in the Netherlands found that subjects had a higher sperm count after zinc sulfate and folic acid supplementation. In another study, researchers concluded that poor zinc intake may be a risk factor for low quality of sperm and male infertility
source of zinc
raw oysters (Pacific), 3 ounces: 14.1 milligrams
beef, lean chuck roast, braised, 3 ounces: 7.0 milligrams
baked beans, canned, ½ cup: 6.9 milligrams
crab, King Alaskan, cooked, 3 ounces: 6.5 milligrams
ground beef, lean, 3 ounces: 5.3 milligrams
lobster, cooked, 3 ounces: 3.4 milligrams