Zinc in diet

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Diet - zinc

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid.

Specific recommendations for each vitamin or mineral depend on age, gender, and other factors (such as pregnancy). The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine report the following dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for zinc:

Infants:

• 0-6 months: 2 mcg*/day
• 7-12 months: 3 mcg/day

Children and Adolescents

• 1-3 years: 3 mcg/day
• 4-8 years: 5 mcg/day
• 9-13 years: 8 mcg/day

Males:

• 14 and older: 11 mcg/day

Females:

• 14-18 years: 9 mcg/day
• 19 and older: 8 mcg/day

*mcg is micrograms

Women who are pregnant or producing milk (lactating) need slighly higher levels of zinc. Ask your health care provider how much is best for you.

Review Date: 01/02/2007
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Chairman, Nutrition Committee, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.