Zinc Snapshot 

Contributor: FitnessLink
info@fitnesslink.com
Author Susan Henry
01/09/2001 - Recommended Daily Allowance: 12 to 15 mg. Therapeutic doses
of varying potencies, if indicated, should be taken only when
supervised and monitored by a healthcare professional.

Richest sources: Meats, poultry, oysters, eggs, legumes, nuts, milk,
yogurt, whole-grain cereals.

Caveat: Too much zinc (three to four times the RDA) produces serious
side effects, including interfering with (rather than enhancing) immune
function, according to Tufts University’s Nutrition newsletter.

How to tell if you need zinc supplementation: The blood analysis that
goes along with a routine physical exam will reveal your level of zinc
(as well as some 40 other elements). With those numbers, along with
your age, specific health factors, and information you provide about
your dietary habits and any special-need or at-risk factors, you and
your physician can determine your particular supplemental needs.