Zinc

This mineral is frequently lacking in the modern diet due to the prevalence of poor quality crops grown on zinc-deficient soils and to the destructive activity of food processing and refining. Wholewheat flour, for example, loses 78% of its zinc in the process of conversion into white flour. Alcohol and sugar consumption may further deplete the body's stores of this mineral. Zinc is believed to be necessary in the diet for the production of lymphocytes in particular and for the optimum healthy functioning of the body's immune system in general. The Bristol Cancer Health Centre recommends zinc orotate 100mg to be taken, one daily is all that is required.