Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - September/October 2021 - 19

richardbraun1979@gmail.com
considered " self-healing "
because the galvanic action
draws it slowly over the surface
of the iron wherever it wears
thin. (Facts about Zinc, 2021)
WHY ZINC IS
IMPORTANT FOR
THE ELDERLY
Seniors face significant
nutritional challenges as a
natural consequence of aging.
As we age, our ability to
process and absorb nutrients
from the foods we eat declines
progressively. This leads
to higher nutrient intake
requirements to maintain
optimal health. As this is
occurring, we are also subject
to less activity and slowing
metabolisms. The result is
that we need fewer and fewer
calories to maintain a healthy
weight. (N Meunier, 2005)
So, we need more nutrients
but fewer overall calories?! The
solution is to provide nutrientdense
foods that maximize the
good stuff and minimize the
" empty " calories.
One study that sampled a
large number of people found
that the average intake of
zinc in adults over 75 was
only 9mg/day, versus the
recommended daily intake
of 15mg. Approximately
30 percent of the elderly
population is currently
deficient, and a much higher
percentage is at risk for
becoming deficient. Most will
not even realize it without
* Immune system and
wound healing. Low zinc
impairs virtually every
aspect of your immune
system and reduces your
ability to fight infections
and diseases. Supplementing
zinc can possibly shorten
the duration of the common
cold. Zinc also plays a
role in our body's healing
process, and wounds heal
more slowly when deficient.
* Antioxidant. Zinc helps
protect the body from free
radicals. Too much zinc can
have the opposite effect.
ZINC ON THE
MENU
Concerned about your own
zinc intake yet? Don't worry,
zinc is fairly common and
easily obtained through a
proper diet. The following is a
list of foods high in zinc.
NUTRITION & FOODSERVICE EDGE | September-October 2021
Continued on page 20
19
blood tests, but the following
are some of the potential
health risks that can result.
(Prasad AS1, 5-01-1993)
* Sensory and psychological
impairment. Low serum
zinc is correlated with
impaired cognition,
depression, and mood
disorders. Low levels
can impair your sense of
taste and smell, making
food less palatable.
Counterintuitively, too
much zinc can cause these
problems as well.
* Nutrient balance. Too
much or too little zinc in
the human body will throw
off the balance of other
essential trace elements like
iron and copper. Zinc is also
necessary to absorb folate in
the digestive tract.
* Bone metabolism. Zinc
is vital to bone formation.
Low levels are associated
with abnormalities in bone
growth, bone formation,
and mineralization.
Deficiency can worsen
conditions like osteoporosis.
R. Andrew Braun,
CDM, CFPP is a
chemist and chef
with 25 years
of foodservice
experience, with over
a decade in health
care and senior living.
THE AVERAGE INTAKE OF ZINC
IN ADULTS OVER 75 was only 9mg
per day, versus the recommended
daily intake of 15mg. Approximately
30 percent of the elderly population
is currently deficient, and a much
higher percentage is at risk for
becoming deficient.
Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - September/October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - September/October 2021
