The human body contains 2-3 gm of zinc and it is distributed throughout the body.

The
concentrations of zinc are highest in the limbic system, including the hippocampus,
hypothalamus and amygdala. Zinc is also rich in other areas of the body such as the brain, testis
and pancreatic islet. Zinc is the second most abundant metal in living organisms. In humans it is
responsible for neuronal signaling and is largely distributed within presynaptic vesicles. Zinc is
also responsible for synaptic function. 

Table 1: Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Zinc  

Age     Male Female Pregnancy Lactation

0–6 months  2 mg* 2 mg*

7–12 months 3 mg 3 mg

1–3 years 3 mg 3 mg

4–8 years 5 mg 5 mg

9–13 years 8 mg 8 mg

14–18 years 11 mg 9 mg 12 mg 13 mg

19+ years 11 mg 8 mg 11 mg 12 mg