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Zinc Deficiency: An Alarming Trend in US Health
Zinc plays a vital role in growth and development, the maintenance of the body's immune system, wound healing, taste acuity and appetite control. Zinc also may help prevent fatigue, increase endurance and encourage muscle growth.1,2,3,4 Yet, according to recent USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) data, nearly 73 percent of Americans are not meeting their recommended dietary allowances,5 suggesting zinc deficiency could be a significant public health concern.6
Approximately 42 percent of all zinc consumed comes from the Meat Group - beef alone supplies 22.1 percent of total zinc consumed.7,8
According to the May 1998 Journal of The American Dietetic Association, beef is the number one source of zinc in the diet.
A three-ounce serving of beef provides 39 percent of the Daily Value for zinc, while a three-ounce chicken provides just 6 percent - to get the same amount of zinc found in a three-ounce serving of beef, one would need to consume seven three-ounce chicken breasts or 12 (3.25 ounce) cans of tuna.8
Research shows that substituting chicken and fish for beef can lead to zinc deficiency.9
Zinc deficiency is associated with compromised brain function, including attention span, learning ability, short-term memory and problem-solving skills. It also can reduce growth, decrease immunity and delay sexual maturation in children.1,2,3,6
In men, zinc deficiency can compromise sexual function, lower sperm count, lower testosterone concentrations and result in impotence.3
1. National Research Council. Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th edition. National Academy Press, Washington DC: 1989.
2. Ziegler EE, Filer LJ. Present knowledge in nutrition, 7th edition. ILSI Press, Washington, DC: 1996.
3. Stryer L. Biochemistry, 4th edition. WH Freeman and Company, New York: 1998.
4. Williams MH. Nutrition for fitness and sport, 2nd edition. Wm. C. Brown Publishers, Iowa: 1983.
5. United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service. Data tables: results from USDA's 1994-96 continuing survey of food intakes by individuals and 1994-96 Diet and Health Knowledge Survey, 1997.
6. Prasad, AS. Zinc deficiency in humans: a neglected problem. J Am Coll Nutr. 17(6):542-543; 1998.
7. Gerrior S, Bente L. Nutrient content of the US food supply, 1909-94. Home Economics Research Report No. 53. USDA, Center for Nutrition Policy & Promotion, 1997.
8. USDA, ARS. USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 13., 1999. (Data for beef based on 3-oz. serving, beef, round, top round, separable lean only, trimmed to ¼" fat, all grades, cooked, broiled. Chicken data based on 3-oz chicken, broilers or fryers, breast, meat only, cooked, roasted. Tuna data based on 3-oz finfish, tuna, white, canned in water, drained solids -equivalent to 3.25 ounce can).
9. Sandstead HH. Overview/background/pathogenesis of problem and introduction to recent studies. Presented at Experimental Biology '99; Washington, DC. April 20, 1999 (in press, supplement to J Nutr., January 2000).
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