Zinc is a co-factor for at least 70 critical enzyme pathways. Deficiency can therefore result in diverse, profound problems; impaired synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein underlie the clinical manifestations. Zinc deficiency may be more common than is diagnosed. The RDA for zinc is 5 mg/day for infants, 10 mg for children and 15 mg for adults. Zinc requirements increase in pregnant women to 20 mg/day. Any child with growth retardation, poor hair growth, impaired immunity or skin problems should be as zinc deficient, particularly if there are digestive tract absorption problems. Zinc absorption is impaired by phytates in cereal grains, and by the concurrent ingestion of other minerals, especially calcium, iron, cadmium and copper. Zinc deficiency also causes impaired senses of taste and smell, slow wound healing, white spots in the fingernails, night blindness, low sperm count, hair loss, behavior or sleep problems; mental lethargy, impaired immune function, cyclic feeding and loss of appetite, and dermatitis. Zinc is often promoted to "enhance immunity". It is an essential mineral for immune function. The following drugs deplete zinc: penicillamine, steroids, ethanol, diuretics, and oral contraceptives. Zinc supplements in the range of 5-15 mg per day are desirable.

NB A low tissue concentration of copper may result from zinc supplements. Cooper deficiency can have serious consequences so that copper is added to Alpha OMX to prevent deficiency.

Copper intake of 2-3 mg / day is usually suggested for adults. Copper is actively transported through the intestinal wall, carried in a special protein, ceruloplasmin, in the blood, and stored in the liver. VM.C interferes with copper availability. Copper deficiency produces an anemia, indistinguishable from iron deficiency. Copper plays a role in iron absorption and mobilization. Copper, deficiency impairs the formation of connective tissue proteins, collagen and elastin. Weak bone (osteoporosis) and defective arterial walls are the more obvious manifestations. In animals, copper deficiency may result in dramatic death from rupture of a major blood vessel, or the heart itself. It is not clear that these events in human pathology are related to copper deficiency, but suggests that cooper intake should be carefully evaluated in patients with cardiovascular disease. Copper deficiency also contributes to increased blood cholesterol.

Deficiency also results in growth disturbances of the brain. Infants with blocked copper utilization develop severe brain dysfunction due to defective myelinization of nerve fibers (Menke's disease). Copper may be supplied in drinking water from leaching of copper water pipes, especially if the drinking water is acidic.