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Zinc

The trace element zinc is found in a variety of foods. Lean red muscle meat, wholemeal products and legumes have high zinc contents with varying bioavailability, while only low contents are measured in fish, root and tuber fruits, green leafy vegetables and fruits.

Zinc is essential for human health. The trace element is necessary for certain physiological processes that affect growth, reproduction, immune defence and the nervous system.

Various studies show that the zinc requirement of the population in Germany is sufficiently covered by food. The recommended daily intake of zinc varies depending on gender and age. For children and adolescents, it is between 3.0 and 14.0 milligrams (mg) per day. In adults, the absorption of zinc in the body is also influenced by the content of phytates (natural plant substances) in the diet. With an average phytate intake, for men and women, a daily intake of 4.0 mg and 8.0 mg of zinc per day is recommended.

If too much zinc is taken in, it can lead to disturbances in the copper metabolism. A permanently increased zinc intake can lead to anaemia, neuromotor disorders and a weakening of the immune system.

Proposed maximum level for the addition of zinc to food supplements (per daily dose of an individual product):

In order to allow consumers a significant additional nutrient intake via food supplements when needed and at the same time protect well-supplied people from excessive intake, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends not adding more than 6.5 mg of zinc per daily dose to a food supplement. In view of a possible multiple use of zinc-containing products, if more than 3.5 mg of zinc per daily dose of a food supplement is added, a note is recommended to refrain from consuming further food supplements containing zinc.

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