Your stretch mark may be because of zinc deficiency

ZINC

Zinc (Zn) is a transition metal belonging to group 12 of the periodic table. As an "essential trace element" zinc has substantial biological importance for plants and animals. And, is one of the most abundant to be found in the body.  It is naturally found in some foods, added to others and also available as a dietary supplement.

Zinc is responsible for a number of different functions in the human body and it helps stimulate the activity of 100 different enzymes. You have approximately 2-3g with around 60% is in the muscles that support your skeleton and 30% is in the bones.   So if nothing else zinc plays an important part in keeping you upright.  The remaining 10% is found in the teeth, hair, nails, skin, liver, leukocytes (white blood cells), prostate, sperm and testes. However, high concentrations of zinc are in the prostate gland and semen.

It is vital for many biological functions and plays a crucial role in more than 300 enzymes in the human body. According to medicalnewstoday “zinc deficiency is responsible for over 800,000 childhood deaths” in the world every year.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ZINC

Research has shown that supplementation of zinc can increase sperm count, normal levels of serum testosterone, motility and morphology. It plays a vital role in fertility. In males, zinc protects the prostate gland from infection (prostatitis) and ultimately from enlargement (prostatic hypertrophy). 

In females, zinc can help treat menstrual problems and alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Others are:
It is an essential component/cofactor for more than 300 enzymes involved in the synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and other micro-nutrients.
It stabilizes cellular components and membranes and so is important for cell and organ structure and integrity.
It is essential for cell division and is needed for normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence. It is involved in DNA synthesis and the process of genetic expression. 
It is important for immune function (both cellular and humoral immunity). 
It is involved in wound healing and tissue repair. 
It helps in attacking infected or cancerous cells. 
It helps in controlling and regulating immune responses.

SOURCES OF ZINC

Dark chocolate

Lamb

Peanuts

Crab

Pulses, nuts and legumes

Wholegrain cereals Red meat and poultry (these are the main sources of zinc for many)

     Oysters, crab, lobster and other shellfish (oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food).

SOME COMMON ZINC DEFICIENCY SIGNS. 

Stretch marks 

Acne 

White spots on the nails

Poor growth – mostly in children

Hair loss

Anorexia

Poor wound healing

 Poor immunity

Poor night vision

Dry skin 

Note:  Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine and is excreted via the kidneys, skin and intestine (in faeces) and there are no body stores of zinc and so daily intake of zinc is needed to maintain adequate body levels. The recommended daily zinc intake ranges from 7mg -25mg. 

The Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health in the UK advise that intake of zinc should not exceed 25 mg per day.