A good look at a trace mineral is a well worth the time. Zinc is essential for good daily health and so much more. A deficiency in zinc you say? We will touch on that too because a deficiency in zinc will bring you down, WAY DOWN.
Here we go… some really good reasons to make sure your zinc requirements are met.
- No Brainer… immune function, anti-viral and more. Aaron Hartman, M.D., a double board-certified medical doctor and clinical researcher, explains that zinc is essential for the function of our innate immune system—our body’s first line of defense that fights infection and targets abnormal cells (e.g., cancer). “Even slight deficiencies in this nutrient have been seen in chronic illness, recurrent infections, skin disease, and autoimmune conditions,” says Hartman.In fact, zinc is critical for the development and function of many immune cells in our innate (neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells) and adaptive immune (B-cells and T-cells) responses. Inadequate zinc can weaken these immune defenses.One meta-analysis that was published in JRSM Open found that supplementing with zinc lozenges at a dose of at least 75 milligrams per day reduced the duration of the common cold by an average of 33%.”The research on the role of zinc in immune function is particularly important and relevant now due to COVID-19,” says Kylie Ivanir, M.S., R.D., of Within Nutrition. “Zinc is necessary for maintenance and development of immune cells; zinc deficiency can result in increased susceptibility to disease.”
- Assists in more rapid healing and overall skin health… In one study that was published in Wound Repair and Regeneration in 2017, researchers divided 60 participants with diabetic foot ulcers into two groups. One group supplemented with 50 milligrams of zinc (from zinc sulfate) for 12 weeks, while the other group received a placebo. The group that supplemented with zinc had a significant reduction in the size of the ulcers.As an added bonus, this clinical trial demonstrated that zinc supplementation also improved several metabolic health parameters (including blood glucose, insulin, insulin sensitivity, and HDL [or “good”] cholesterol), antioxidant status and glutathione levels, and key biomarkers of chronic inflammation.In addition to wound healing, some forms of zinc may also help clear up your skin. Although acne causes are multifactorial, preliminary research indicates that zinc’s anti-inflammatory properties may benefit those with acne (AKA acne vulgaris), participants with rosacea were given either 300 milligrams of zinc sulfate (which equates to approximately 70 milligrams of zinc) or a placebo for three months. After the treatment period, the group taking zinc experienced significant improvements in rosacea, with minimal side effect.
- Now for the big one, drum roll please… My favorite and yours… Zinc aids in boosting Testosterone levels in men. As the second most abundant trace mineral in the human body, zinc has some hefty roles. And in case everything we mentioned before wasn’t enough to show you just how important it is, its role in testosterone synthesis should.If you’ve heard about the link between oysters and your sex drive (oysters are an aphrodisiac), you may be surprised to know that oysters are also one of the most concentrated sources of zinc. Even a moderate zinc deficiency has been linked to hypogonadism in males 7.Zinc has been linked to several aspects of male reproduction, including testicular development, testosterone synthesis, and sperm quality 8. That may be partially because it serves as a cofactor for numerous metalloenzymes involved in DNA and protein synthesis, which are critical to germ cell development.Studies find that zinc-deficient diets result in a drastic drop in testosterone levels, along with impaired spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and function.
One study sought to investigate the effects of zinc restriction on testosterone levels. For 20 weeks, dietary zinc intake was restricted in younger men, which resulted in a drop in testosterone levels from an average of 39.9 nmol/L to 10.6 nmol/L.
On the flip side, they also took older adults deficient in zinc and provided supplementation for 24 weeks. At the end of the study, serum testosterone levels had increased from an average of 8.3 nmol/L to 16.0 nmol/L. Though the study was small, it does indicate the importance of zinc in testosterone synthesis.
Now you know 3 great reasons to make sure to get your zinc daily… now some more really, really great reasons to make sure you get your zinc. Watch out, here comes the deficiency list
- unexplained weight loss
- wounds that won’t heal
- lack of alertness
- decreased sense of smell and taste
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- open sores on the skin
- low testosterone and associated symptoms
Enough said…
Stay Healthy & Stay Legit… take your zinc
PS. Legit’s “Alkalinity” multivitamins have the necessary daily amount of zinc to keep you on track. Take those with a healthy diet and you will be spot on with your zinc.
Strictly opinion and not medical advice. Much of above information compiled and written by Lindsay Boyers, a top tier Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant. Consult your doctor, pharmacist and/or nutritionist before starting/stopping any supplement or exercise program
