A second group took the zinc supplement plus a micronutrient supplement containing all essential vitamins and minerals, except for zinc and four other minerals known to interfere with its absorption. A control group got only the micronutrients, to alleviate any other deficiency that could affect performance on the psychological tests. Before and after the supplement period, each child took a battery of computer- administered tasks to measure attention, perception, memory, reasoning and motor and spatial skills necessary for successful school performance. The children who got the zinc supplement or zinc plus the micronutrients had the most improved performance, especially in perception, memory and reasoning skills. In addition to peanuts, popcorn and whole wheat products, the most common source of zinc is red meat.
Oysters are the richest source.
Eating fruits and vegetables can be just as effective as taking vitamin C at helping the human body defuse oxygen radicals in the blood that can cause cell damage. Last year, a test developed by ARS scientists showed that strawberries and spinach scored highest among 40 common fruits and vegetables in total antioxidant capacity. Next, the scientists wanted to find out whether those protective compounds could be absorbed by the human body through diet in large enough amounts to boost the blood's antioxidant profile. The researchers analyzed the blood of eight women in their 60s and 70s before and after eating five test meals. Each woman first ate a control meal with a low antioxidant content.