Zinc is one of the many trace minerals required by the body, but the fact that it's required in relatively small amounts should not be allowed to obscure its significance. It's required by the body for the production of more than 200 essential enzymes, one of the most crucial of these being superoxide dismutase, a vital anti-oxidant.

The particular importance of superoxide dismutase lies in its role in mopping up the superoxide free radicals which are released upon the metabolism of oxygen within cells, literally with every breath we take. Superoxide free radicals react with other by-products of energy production to form hydroxyl, the most damaging free radical of all, and to attack the mitochondria of the cells themselves.

Since it is the mitochondria which ultimately produce the energy for all the body's vital reactions, mitochondrial damage due to free radicals can only mean the production of less and less energy and the gradual deterioration and degeneration of the entire organism.

As well as being vital for the body's manufacture of anti-oxidants, zinc also helps the immune system to regulate the process by which defective or worn out cells are killed off by the body before they have chance to multiply themselves and perhaps ultimately become cancerous. These functions alone would make it one of the key micronutrients which are vital to the body's long-term health.

But there's much more to zinc than this, because it's now known to be necessary for the production of the white blood cells which are one of the body's first lines of defence against infection, and for the proper functioning of the thymus gland which is heavily involved in the regulation of the immune system. So zinc is crucial not just in staving off long-term degeneration, but in fighting off acute infections.

And this well documented value as an immune system booster has given zinc great popularity as a cold and flu remedy, although the effectiveness of the many lozenges sold for this purpose once illness is established remains open to question. But the importance of a healthy immune system in preventing infection in the first place is not in doubt. And it's here that an adequate supply of zinc is essential.

Although the typical requirement for zinc is only 15 mg a day, it is surprisingly easy to fall below this. Indeed some estimates suggest that typical dietary intakes may be as low as 9 mg for women and 13 mg for men, and even this may be poorly absorbed so some nutritionists recommend aiming for an intake of around 25 mg to ensure an adequate supply.

It also needs to be remembered that certain groups of people with depressed immune systems, such as HIV sufferers, diabetics and alcoholics may have an increased requirement for zinc. But by far the largest such group is comprised of the over 65s. And it should be realised that the consequence of a zinc deficiency may be much more serious for these older individuals, given that their immune systems are likely in any case to be less effective than those of healthy young adults.

So the conclusion appears to be straightforward: ensuring that the diet is adequate in zinc is vital to the efficiency of the immune system, and therefore to long-term health and well being. But as always with the human body, the full story isn't quite so simple. The body functions holistically, and an excess of any one nutrient may well lead to a deficiency in another. Taking in too much iron, for example, may in itself lead to a deficiency in zinc. But in the case of an excess of zinc (defined by the US Food and Nutrition Board as more than 40 mg a day), the associated deficiency is of copper.

Deficiency in copper is rarely severe enough to produce clinical symptoms, but this should not obscure the important functions of this trace mineral. As with zinc, adequate supplies of copper are vital for the production of anti-oxidant enzymes and energy within the body's cells. Sub-clinical deficiencies have also been implicated in cases of mild anaemia and depression of the immune system.

The best way to counter these risks is, of course, to consume a diet rich in both zinc and copper. Red meat, particularly beef, and shellfish are known as good animal sources, whilst nuts and beans offer a useful source for vegetarians. Whole grains are a useful additional plant source of copper. Plant sources of zinc, however, are less well absorbed by the body than those derived from animal sources, and so this is a nutrient which may require particular attention for those following a vegetarian diet.

But given the poverty of modern Western diets in both vitamins and minerals, supplementation may in any case be necessary to ensure the health of the immune system, particularly, as discussed above, for the over 65s. Various forms of specific zinc supplement are readily available, but it is probably wiser to ensure that any supplementation of zinc is taken in a properly balanced multi-mineral formulation also containing an appropriate amount of copper.

Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htmWelcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
conan the adventure of the beryl coronet free ebook download
dane cook retaliation: want
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
tori amos scarlet's walk
read online the witch and other stories anton chekhov ebook
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the case-book of sherlock holmes conan free
the grasshopper anton download ebbok
his last bow conan free ebook
free ebook conan the valley of fear
beck midnight vultures
eddie izzard definite article
doyle his last bow read online
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the bet Anton Chekhov
adobe photoshop cs3 torrent
the adventure of the stockbroker's clerk doyle read online
download the black monk anton ebook
get online murder on the orient express agatha
51. linkin park - paper cut.
best computer hardware
the sign of four doyle read online
aqualung strange
free computer networking
cheap notebook pc
the cook's wedding and other stories chekhov read online ebook
the grasshopper anton chekhov get online
free download letters of anton chekhov chekhov ebbok
free ebook download conan the adventure of the dancing men
arthur conan doyle the adventure of the abbey grange free ebook download
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
sufjan stevens illinois
read online the schoolmaster and other stories anton chekhov ebbok
cake comfort eagle
shins, the wincing the night away
the chorus girl and other stories anton get online
read online the bishop and other stories chekhov ebbok
arthur the adventure of the missing three-quarter free ebook
156. sum41 - the hell song.
the happy hooker pdf
the memoirs of sherlock holmes arthur free
free arthur the adventure of the abbey grange
read online arthur the adventure of the engineer's thumb
the swan song - anton chekov anton chekhov free download ebook
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
81. nirvana - you know you're right.
get download mire chekhov ebook
christie the secret adversary ebook free download
download free doyle the adventure of the speckled band
arthur conan doyle the adventure of wisteria lodge get it now
cheapest laptop rental
free winbook
arthur the adventure of the abbey grange read free
the adventure of the cardboard box get it now
a case of identity arthur conan doyle read free
get it now arthur the adventure of the crooked man
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
buy cheap my computer
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the bishop and other stories chekhov get download ebbok
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
prize computer accessories
16. australian crawl - reckless (don't be so)
the adventure of the engineer's thumb read online
get free computer desks
the secret of the tower chekhov free download ebbok
free ebook arthur conan doyle the adventures of sherlock holmes
read online doyle the hound of the baskervilles
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
best superman laptop
the adventure of silver blaze conan get it now
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
814. marcia hines
elf power creatures
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
prize lg notebook
arthur the five orange pips read online
barry white all time greatest hits
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the witch and other stories chekhov read online ebbok
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
cheapest one laptop per child
postal service, the give up
arthur conan doyle the adventure of the priory school free ebook download
free laptop charger
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
read online arthur conan doyle the adventure of the copper beeches
591. oasis - wonderwall
mates of state all day (retail)
big daddy weave one
cheap ok computer
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
doyle the adventure of the final problem free ebook download
510. james blunt - billy
296. powderfinger - vulture street cd
best custom laptop
Jurma
buy cheap laptop to tv
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
rhapsody 03 dawn of victory
beck stray blues
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
arthur the five orange pips free ebook download
907. elvis presley - return to sender
17. foo fighters - big me
read online the schoolmistress and other stories anton chekhov book
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
arthur conan doyle the adventures of sherlock holmes read free
upper class trash favoring blurred lines
the adventure of the copper beeches doyle read online
get download the wife and other stories anton book
get it now arthur the adventure of the noble bachelor
beastie boys aglio e olio ep
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
green day dookie
the adventure of the six napoleons doyle read online
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
doyle the adventure of the yellow face download now
arthur conan doyle the five orange pips free ebook download
cheap used notebooks
1313. josh pyke - memories
the adventure of the dancing men read free
download free doyle the adventure of the priory school
clash, the london calling
arthur the adventure of the cardboard box free ebook
fleetwood mac say you will
cheap acer travelmate 2312
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
read online mysterious affair at styles christie
download free conan the adventure of the cardboard box
the sign of four conan read free
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
best asus laptop
get free computer to tv
70. midnight oil - the dead heart.
agatha christie mysterious affair at styles ebbok free download
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
get online partners in crime christie ebbok
download the horse stealers and other stories anton chekhov
the adventure of the noble bachelor conan get it now
doyle the boscombe valley mystery download now
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
read online the adventure of the dying detective
the adventure of charles augustus milverton arthur conan doyle free ebook download
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the adventure of the three students arthur conan doyle download now
free download the duel and other stories chekhov
queen the miracle
the duel and other stories anton chekhov free download book
buy cheap computer help
271. pearl jam - rear view mirror disc 2 - track 9 - rear view mirror
download the wife and other stories anton chekhov ebook
a case of identity get it now
free ebook arthur conan doyle the adventure of the empty house
red hot chili peppers one hot minute
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
get it now the adventure of the stockbroker's clerk
get cheap laptop tray
nightmare before christmas, the the nightmare before christmas
death cab for cutie stability ep
the wife and other stories chekhov download book
arthur conan doyle the adventure of the cardboard box download now
free computer programmer
get download sleepy-eye anton book
the black monk anton chekhov get online ebook
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
morrissey viva hate
978. midnight oil - flat chat (cd)
the party and other stories anton get online
conan the adventure of the solitary cyclist download now
arthur conan doyle the case-book of sherlock holmes free ebook download
online marketing
conan a case of identity read free
713. sylvers - boogie fever
the red-headed league arthur read free
adobe photoshop cs3 serial
cheapest computer backgrounds
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
free ebook doyle the adventure of the blue carbuncle
christmas markets
aerosmith aerosmith
buy cheap laptop coupons
download now conan the boscombe valley mystery
618. the fray - cable car
conan the adventure of wisteria lodge download free
download murder on the orient express christie book
free download the secret adversary agatha christie ebbok
adobe photoshop elements
the chorus girl and other stories anton chekhov download book
the schoolmaster and other stories chekhov download book
get download the horse stealers and other stories chekhov book
buy cheap toshiba laptop l35
arthur the adventure of the empty house free
get free laptop video cards
get cheap laptop cooling pad
free ebook the return of sherlock holmes
the cook's wedding and other stories chekhov download ebook
unsigned selling file
best custom computer
the adventure of the dancing men arthur conan doyle read online
best laptop ac adapter
best computer components
k.d. lang absolute torch and twang
free laptop fan
get it now conan the adventure of the three students
a study in scarlet read online
conan the adventure of the engineer's thumb free
download now conan the adventure of the abbey grange
cheap acer
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
yanni reflections of passion
the adventure of the resident patient conan get it now
prize computer supplies
cheapest laptop internet
download the duel and other stories anton chekhov book
the return of sherlock holmes free ebook
get it now conan the adventure of the blue carbuncle
best computer engineering
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
get online the chorus girl and other stories chekhov
get it now doyle the return of sherlock holmes
boy least likely to, the the best party ever
arctic monkeys whatever people say i am, that's what i'm not
lostprophets liberation transmission
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
download now arthur the adventure of the six napoleons
get download the bishop and other stories anton book
the adventure of the final problem doyle download now
get cheap sony
arthur the adventure of the resident patient download free
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
read free arthur a study in scarlet
buy cheap computer crime
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
doyle free ebook
download now arthur conan doyle the adventure of the naval treaty
2. the vapours - turning japanese
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
agnostic front dead yuppies
free doyle the red-headed league
10. don't change
513. arctic monkeys - view from the afternoon
buy cheap computer upgrades
read online mire anton chekhov
the five orange pips arthur conan doyle read free
548. choirboys - run to paradise
arthur conan doyle the adventure of black peter download now
prize laptop backpack
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
business loans
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the adventure of the copper beeches free
doyle the adventure of the golden pince-nez free ebook
arthur the adventure of the golden pince-nez read online
the adventure of wisteria lodge read online
free download the wife and other stories anton ebbok
cheapest xbox 360 laptop
arthur the adventure of the final problem free
download free arthur the adventure of silver blaze
cheap computer warehouse
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
arthur the adventure of wisteria lodge read free
read online doyle the adventure of the solitary cyclist
the black monk anton chekhov read online ebook
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
free computer sale
the adventure of the final problem free ebook download
get online the petcheneg anton book
download the horse stealers and other stories chekhov
conan the adventure of the resident patient free ebook download
get online sleepy-eye chekhov book
arthur the boscombe valley mystery read free
prize computer mouse
free ebook download doyle the adventure of the noble bachelor
arthur conan doyle the adventure of the beryl coronet free ebook download
buy cheap used laptop
the darling and other stories anton free download
arthur the adventure of the resident patient read free
free arthur conan doyle the adventure of the second stain
get online the swan song - anton chekov chekhov ebook
free doyle the adventure of the noble bachelor
sum 41 all killer no filler
doyle the adventure of the priory school get it now
the petcheneg anton download book
the memoirs of sherlock holmes arthur download free
cheap best laptop deals
1201. ted mulry gang - jump in my car
doyle the case-book of sherlock holmes download free
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
christie mysterious affair at styles book free download
the petcheneg chekhov get online ebbok
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the valley of fear arthur conan doyle free
the memoirs of sherlock holmes free
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
arthur the adventure of the noble bachelor download free
arthur conan doyle free
less than jake greased
prize personal computer
get cheap computer security
buy cheap laptop accessorieslaptop stand
the case-book of sherlock holmes free ebook
christie partners in crime ebook get download
free ebook arthur conan doyle the adventure of the blue carbuncle
the adventure of the speckled band read free
cheap computer hardware
prize laptops uk
buy cheap laptop harddrive
buy cheap computer animation
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
download the horse stealers and other stories anton chekhov book
a scandal in bohemia doyle download now
the adventure of the empty house conan free ebook
cheap cheap computer
105. red hot chili peppers - can't stop.
the witch and other stories chekhov get online ebbok
agatha mysterious affair at styles get online
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
free arthur conan doyle the adventure of the golden pince-nez
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
spiritualized ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
buy cheap computer engineer
read online the black monk chekhov
958. the young knives - walking on the autobahn
ataris, the so long astoria
garth brooks double live (disc 2)
flower market
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
doyle the adventure of charles augustus milverton download now
the adventure of the priory school arthur read free
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the adventure of the cardboard box arthur conan doyle free
flogging molly drunken lullabies
letters of anton chekhov anton get download ebbok
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the adventure of wisteria lodge arthur read free
934. pointer sisters - slow hand
work video storage
free cheap computer
free doyle the adventure of the norwood builder
the return of sherlock holmes get it now
arthur the adventure of the engineer's thumb get it now
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
conan the adventure of the yellow face read free
the adventure of the beryl coronet arthur download free
download free doyle the adventure of wisteria lodge
cheap laptop computer
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
agatha the secret adversary ebbok read online
the adventure of wisteria lodge arthur conan doyle download free
arthur the adventures of sherlock holmes read free
conan the adventure of the final problem download free
cheap laptop price
get online love and other stories anton ebook
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
tori amos the beekeeper
the wife and other stories anton read online ebook
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
free used notebook
1270. my chemical romance - the ghost of you
garth brooks the lost sessions
13. written in the heart
free a study in scarlet
get download the secret adversary christie
christie murder on the orient express ebook download
earth wind
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
295. inxs - kick - track 12 - tiny daggers
earth, wind and fire
the witch and other stories chekhov get download ebook
download the lady with a dog and other stories chekhov ebook
get it now the adventures of sherlock holmes
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
free conan the adventure of the speckled band
free download murder on the orient express christie ebbok
doyle the adventure of the resident patient free
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
angels and airwaves we don't need to whisper
get it now the adventure of the three students
the adventure of black peter arthur conan doyle free ebook download
the party and other stories anton download book
the adventure of the golden pince-nez arthur conan doyle get it now
cheapest laptop harddrive
the duel and other stories anton chekhov get download
faint, the media
free laptop desks
market segmentation
get free winbook
free computer language
the book of general ignorance
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
arthur the red-headed league get it now
1215. deep purple - burn
the secret of the tower anton chekhov download book
read online mysterious affair at styles agatha christie book
get free best computer
vzhtzsihypbsg
sleepy-eye anton get download
read online the cook's wedding and other stories anton
free arthur conan doyle the hound of the baskervilles
download free arthur the adventure of the dying detective
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the darling and other stories anton free download ebook
189. the living end - rock on - track 10
the adventure of the beryl coronet conan get it now
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the adventure of the norwood builder arthur free ebook
download now conan the adventure of the missing three-quarter
free ebook the adventure of the resident patient
cheap computer engineer
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
get download the wife and other stories chekhov
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
the adventure of the resident patient doyle read free
the boscombe valley mystery arthur conan doyle download now
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
arthur conan doyle the valley of fear free ebook
read online conan
the adventure of the golden pince-nez doyle free
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
conan his last bow read online
the adventure of the three students doyle free
free ebook conan the hound of the baskervilles
the adventure of the dying detective conan download free
get online partners in crime christie ebook
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
free 12 laptop
read online conan the adventure of the solitary cyclist
bob marley
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
get online the petcheneg anton ebbok
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
prize laptop video cards
conan the adventure of the cardboard box free
tiger lou the loyal
buy cheap computer themes
xiu xiu la foret
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
arthur conan doyle the adventure of silver blaze free
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
download free conan the adventure of the golden pince-nez
cheapest notebook computers
arthur the adventure of the three students get it now
read online arthur his last bow
302. metallica - the rest cd
cheap best buy laptops
afi live at the hard rock caf
arthur the adventure of the empty house get it now
929. lionel richie
mew frengers
free ebook download doyle the boscombe valley mystery
the adventure of charles augustus milverton doyle read free
prize acer travelmate 2312
mitch hedberg 2nd cd
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
letters of anton chekhov chekhov get download ebbok
free ebook download the adventure of the crooked man
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
buy cheap computer backgrounds
get free computer history
online storage song store
buy cheap connect laptop to tv
get online the lady with a dog and other stories anton chekhov
price adobe photoshop
download letters of anton chekhov anton
203. bernard fanning - tea
the adventure of the norwood builder conan download free
get download mire anton ebook
download free conan the adventure of the greek interpreter
property prices
adobe photoshop free
the adventure of the greek interpreter arthur conan doyle download now
1277. expatriate - the spaces between
180. the living end - rock on - track 1
the swan song - anton chekov anton chekhov get online
prize laptop cooler
free download letters of anton chekhov chekhov book
doyle a case of identity download free
arthur the adventure of the copper beeches free ebook download
download now doyle the boscombe valley mystery
the witch and other stories anton get download
cheapest laptop security
1061. jimmy barnes - when your love is gone
read online the witch and other stories anton ebbok
the adventure of the solitary cyclist arthur get it now
read online the man in lower ten christie ebook
christie the secret adversary ebook get download
the duel and other stories anton get online ebook
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
get free g4 laptop
arthur the hound of the baskervilles download now
get free computer themes
arthur the adventure of the missing three-quarter download free
tegan
free conan the adventure of the abbey grange
arthur conan doyle the adventure of wisteria lodge free ebook download
the adventure of the second stain doyle free
green day dookie demo
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
kaiser chiefs yours truly, angry mob
arthur conan doyle the adventure of the engineer's thumb read free
909. elvis presley - crazy little thing called love
neelam kothari
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
get free free computer
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine
buy cheap 360 laptop
free ebook doyle the adventure of the copper beeches
622. the fray - little house
the grasshopper anton free download
Welcome To Seek Free A Free Search Engine