There is no officially recognized vitamin Z. The term "Vitamin Z" is used informally and inconsistently to refer to different things, depending on the context.
Different Meanings of "Vitamin Z":
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Zinc: Some sources, like the quote from Dr. Martin (reference 1), informally refer to zinc as "Vitamin Z". Zinc is an essential mineral, not a vitamin, crucial for numerous bodily functions. A deficiency can lead to various health problems. Sufficient zinc intake can be achieved through a diet rich in red meat (reference 1).
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Sleep: Another interpretation (reference 3) suggests "Vitamin Z" represents sleep, highlighting its importance for overall health and well-being. Adequate sleep is vital for numerous physiological processes.
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Other Uses: The term "Vitamin Z" also appears in various other contexts, including a music band (references 5, 10), a TV series (reference 9), and even as a nickname for the antidepressant sertraline (reference 2). These usages are unrelated to any known nutrient.
Therefore, the answer depends entirely on the intended context. There is no single, universally accepted definition of "Vitamin Z."
