Zinc plays an extremely important role in the whole organism. It is involved in the function of 300 enzymes and is contained in 50 enzymes. It is an essential trace element and therefore can not be produced by the body itself. Therefore, it must be taken regularly on the diet in sufficient quantities. Beef, seafood, sea fish and milk products, especially cheese, eggs and whole grains are very rich in zinc. The recommended daily allowance for zinc is up to 12 milligrams a day for an adult male and a little less for a woman at 7 milligrams. However, this value can vary greatly from person to person. In addition to physical fitness, physical stress also plays a role in the need for zinc. Through frequent intensive training, as is the case with bodybuilding, for example, the demand for zinc automatically increases by about twice. The effects of zinc in the body are very diverse. It contributes to the normal cognitive function, but also ensures that the testosterone level in the blood remains constant. It plays a key role in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and acts as an antioxidant against free radicals in the body. Especially for athletes, it is extremely important to be supplied with all vital minerals, in order to remain efficient. Athletes have even been scientifically proven to have an increased zinc requirement. The athletic load stimulates the metabolism more strongly, which in turn leads to heavy sweating. The longer and more intense the training sessions, the more zinc you lose. Per liter of sweat, it is about 20 percent of the daily zinc intake that is lost. Providing sufficient zinc to the body helps the athlete maintain muscle and has a positive effect on cell growth. It also activates the enzymes that regulate the oxygenation of the body. The recommended daily intake for athletes is therefore around 25 milligrams, about twice as high as for non-athletes. Because zinc affects many different metabolic reactions, conversely, zinc deficiency can be negatively affected in several ways. Efficiency can be limited, it is often deplored of loss of appetite, it weakens the immune system and can cause hair loss and dermatitis.
