Zinc Deficiency

This is a question and answer from participants in the raw vegan pregnancy study.
I thought it interesting because I recently was reading up on Zinc. We all know that Zinc is recommended for colds.

Wikipedia says, "Zinc-containing enzymes are used by the body to regulate growth and development, promote fertility, and aid digestion and nucleic acid synthesis.[110]"
Men need more zinc than women and a deficiency can result in a low sperm count. And the best vegan sources for zinc are "wheat (20–60 ppm), sweet corn (about 20 ppm) and lettuce (12 ppm)...Zinc is also found in beans, nuts, almonds, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and blackcurrant.[114]...Absorption of zinc during pregnancy and lactation increases, resulting in sufficient zinc assuming an average diet is maintained.[110][note 4]" The article goes on to say that zinc in fortified foods and supplements are not as easily absorbed by the body as in foods. And to also remember that too much zinc is toxic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc

Hello Everybody,

we're 5 months pregnant with our second baby and I suddenly woke up
today with the broken lip in the corner. Did anyone had the same
symptom and what kind of deficiency this might be?



Date: Sun, Mar 8 2009 11:14 am
From: Yelenamir

So, I healed the problem and would like to share because last
pregnancy the broken lip corner was a persistent problem for me up to
after the baby was born... Last time the midwife associated it with
iron deficiency. Yes, broken lip corners are usually the symptom for
anemia. But no matter how much iron supplements I had (Floradix, and
the MotherEarthMinerals liquid Iron. I never take conventional
supplements which doctors usually recommend because of the side
effects) it didn't help my blood analysis. In fact I started having a
rash on my legs (which is extremely odd for my body) from taking
Floradix. I also supplemented with Max Stress B complex formula.

So, it went away completely (in 4 days) as soon as I started to add
more Zinc, Copper on a daily basis (MotherEarthMinerals) and I added
more Spirulina into my diet. I checked the nutrition value of
spirulina and figured I need about 6 tbsp. a day to keep a healthy
vegan pregnancy. We are usually taking about 2 a day and I always
thought it is good enough along with chlorella, and BG algae. This
pregnancy I supplement with B vitamins on a more regular basis as well
compare to the last one.

Well, thinking about the anemia and all the causes for it I picked up
a book from my bookshelf three days ago and found an answer to my
question! Apparently cadmium toxicity can mimic iron deficiency and
anemia. I did go through the heavy metal detox at the Tree during my
intensive and before my first pregnancy, but I guess it wasn't enough
for my body. I didn't continue supplementing with Zinc after I came
back home. And Zinc competes with cadmium. So, to get the cadmium out
of one's muscle tissues one needs to supplement with Zinc on everyday
basis.

Hope my little successful investigation will help!
Love,
Yelena.