Zinc is a trace mineral that has hundreds of important functions, including a role in Vitamin A metabolism. Certain food sources are better absorbed than others. Deficiency is not uncommon, depending on dietary lifestyle.

Fluoride is a trace mineral that is incorporated into bone and tooth enamel. In some areas it is added to the water supply to prevent tooth decay in kids, and it is added to most toothpastes. Toxicity issues have been identified and studies are still ongoing to determine whether fluoride is safe to take internally.

Choose either mineral as a topic for your main post. If you choose zinc, discuss the reasons and ramifications of inadequate intake as well as potential toxicity issues, especially from supplements. If you choose fluoride, investigate the side effects and discuss risk vs. benefit of fluoride supplementation. Then reply to two of your classmates after your main post is submitted. One post must address the mineral that you did not choose.