Zinc
What is Zinc?
Zinc is considered an essential nutrient, which means that your body can’t produce or store it, so it is vital that we ingest it either in our food or via supplementation.
Zinc is required for numerous processes in your body, including
- gene expression
- enzymatic reactions
- immune function
- protein synthesis
- DNA synthesis
- wound healing
- growth and development
Zinc is a nutritionally fundamental trace element and is the second most abundant trace metal in the human body after iron. Zinc is a trace mineral which is needed by more than 300 enzymes to repair the body and protect against immune invaders. It also helps synthesize proteins, helps cells reproduce, protects against natural aging, and helps maintain fertility in adults. Strenuous exercise both requires and depletes zinc stores, and low zinc levels in the muscles correlate with reduced endurance capacity.
In a study comparing the oral bioavailability of zinc bisglycinate chelate to zinc gluconate, Albion’s chelated form increased absorption more than 43%. Other studies have shown the absorption of zinc bisglycinate chelate was also higher than zinc picolinate, zinc glycinate and zinc oxide, sometimes by as much as 300%.
What does it help with in the body?
Micronutrient homeostasis is a key factor in maintaining a healthy immune system. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is involved in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. The main cause of zinc deficiency is malnutrition. Zinc deficiency leads to cell-mediated immune dysfunctions among other manifestations.
Additionally, zinc deficiency plays a role in inflammation, mainly elevating inflammatory response as well as damage to host tissue. Zinc is involved in the modulation of the proinflammatory response by targeting Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor that is the master regulator of proinflammatory responses. It is also involved in controlling oxidative stress and regulating inflammatory cytokines. Zinc plays an intricate function during an immune response and its homeostasis is critical for sustaining proper immune function.
Zinc minerals affect virtually all aspects of our immune systems, from the nonspecific barrier functions of the passive immune system (skin, mucous membranes, etc.), to the specific lymphocytic functions of the active immune system. Zinc is needed for the development of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and other natural killer cells in the nonspecific immune defense, and also offers vital support for other specific immune defenses.
What have the studies shown?
Zinc helps to boost your immune system, keeping your immune system strong. Zinc is necessary for immune cell function and cell signaling, a deficiency can lead to a weakened immune response.
Zinc supplements stimulate particular immune cells and reduce oxidative stress. For example, a review of seven studies demonstrated that 80–92 milligrams (mg) per day of zinc may reduce the length of the common cold by up to 33%.
Zinc accelerates wound healing, and is commonly used in hospitals as a treatment for burns, certain ulcers, and other skin injuries. For example, in a 12-week study in 60 people with diabetic foot ulcers, those treated with 50 mg of zinc per day experienced significant reductions in ulcer size compared to a placebo group.
Zinc reduces the risk of certain age-related diseases. Zinc may significantly reduce your risk of age-related diseases, such as pneumonia, infection, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Zinc may relieve oxidative stress and improve immune response by boosting the activity of T-cells and natural killer cells, which help protect your body from infection. In fact, one 2007 study determined that 45 mg per day of elemental zinc may decrease the incidence of infection in older adults by nearly 66%.
Additionally, in a 2013 study in over 4,200 people, taking daily antioxidant supplements — vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta carotene — plus 80 mg of zinc decreased vision loss and significantly reduced the risk of advanced AMD.
Zinc may help treat acne. Acne is a common skin disease that is estimated to affect up to 9.4% of the global population. Acne is driven by obstruction of oil-producing glands, bacteria, and inflammation. Studies suggest that both topical and oral zinc treatments can effectively treat acne by reducing inflammation, inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria, and suppressing oil gland activity
Zinc helps to decrease inflammation. Zinc decreases oxidative stress and reduces levels of certain inflammatory proteins in your body. Oxidative stress leads to chronic inflammation, a contributing factor in a wide array of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and mental decline. In a 2010 study in 40 older adults, those who took 45 mg of zinc per day experienced greater reductions in inflammatory markers than a placebo group.
When added to foods, beverages, and supplements, zinc can help support:
- Healthy vision
- Healthy growth
- Sports recovery
- Electrolyte balance
- Healthy immune function
- Normal inflammatory response
What are some contraindications?
According to the WHO, zinc deficiency is currently the fifth leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. It is estimated that it affects about one-third of the world’s population. Worldwide, zinc deficiency accounts for approximately 16% of lower respiratory tract infections, 18% of malaria, and 10% of diarrheal diseases. While severe zinc deficiency is rare, mild to moderate deficiency is more common worldwide.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc
For more information about Zinc:
https://balchem.com/human-nutrition-health/hnh-products/albion-minerals/zinc/
Compare to: Thorne – Zinc Bisgylcinate 30 mg ($12)