Journal of the American College of Nutrition
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Essentiality of zinc in nutrition of higher animals was established in 1934. Dietary zinc deficiency in humans was recognized in 1961. Dietary requirements for zinc have been estimated factorially and by balance studies. ⋯ Of some interest was the finding that the mean intake of none of the groups was equivalent to the Recommended Dietary Allowance. The mean intake of males ranged from 9.32 mg in men 75y and older to 13.53 mg in persons 15-18y. The mean intake of the females ranged from 7.04 mg in women 75y and older to 9.22 mg in persons 12-14 y.