The normal zinc content of the body amounts to 20-30 mmol (1.3 – 2.0 g). The true physiological requirement of zinc is the amount of zinc that has to be absorbed to replace endogenous losses to provide zinc for tissue synthesis and for the growth and milk secretion.
Daily requirement of zinc is about 15 mg and most of the diets adequately supply it. These requirements vary according to age and physiological status of the subject.
In the blood zinc is bound to α2-macroglubulin, albumin or amino acids, and a small amount is also bound to transferrin.
Most good protein sources including oysters, poultry, meat and eggs contain substantial zinc.
Daily requirement for zinc
