Zinc is one of the body’s two most abundant trace minerals and can be found in every cell. It plays an essential role in several biological processes including DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, growth, taste/vision/immune functions.

Zinc is an antioxidant known to effectively mitigate oxidative stress and counter proinflammatory cytokine production. Supplementation has also been proven to strengthen immunity and decrease opportunistic infections among HIV positive adults.

Supports Immune System Function

Zinc can help regulate multiple aspects of your immune system, from DNA synthesis and production of cytokines and antibodies, to activating inflammation pathways and inhibiting oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Furthermore, zinc enhances natural killer cell activity while decreasing respiratory tract infections such as colds.

Human bodies don’t store vitamin C or zinc; therefore, we must consume it through diet or supplements in order to receive it. Unfortunately, elderly populations typically lack these essential vitamins due to poor eating habits, increased susceptibility to infection, or limited access to nutritious food sources.

Ageing brings with it an interplay of physiological, psychological and social changes which can result in multiple modifications to one’s immune system and lead to increased susceptibility for infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions – this process is commonly referred to as immunosenescence.

Immunosenescence can be reversed through supplementation with specific micronutrients (Zinc). A high dose of oral Zinc supplementation significantly improved neutrophil function and natural killer cell sensitivity, reduced inflammation-related genes such as IL-6, TNF-a, COX-2 and PGE2 expression and upregulated antioxidative enzyme expression levels such as NAP-DHA and GATA-3 transcription factor expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (King et al. 2005).

Zinc also stimulates the proliferation of CD34+ cells – stem cells which differentiate into mature NK and T cells – in vitro and enhances their cytotoxicity in aged mice (Mocchegiani et al., 2009). Furthermore, evidence has suggested that zinc deficiency affects both innate and adaptive immunity of humans through mechanisms related to inhibition of NF-kB or AP-1 proteins, caspase-3 proteins, or A20 proteins leading to decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production (Prascad 2007).

Maintaining optimal zinc levels for cellular immunity can be challenging due to declining absorption and metabolism as we age, and due to dietary sources. Zinc Zenith offers your body access to this essential micronutrient in an easily absorbed form that supports its use.

Promotes Skin Health

Zinc, one of the body’s most abundant trace minerals, can be found in both skin and bones and plays an integral part in over 300 metabolic reactions. Zinc helps promote cell growth, immune function, reproduction and may act as an antioxidant; furthermore it can support healthy aging while decreasing risk factors associated with age, such as cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.

Zinc is essential in the formation of new cells and plays an integral part in many enzymes involved in protein turnover. Zinc also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause inflammation.

Studies suggest that zinc can help alleviate cold symptoms and shorten their duration, hasten wound healing, maintain normal cholesterol levels and even treat cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus; according to one study people who applied a zinc oxide cream experienced fewer cold sores and saw them heal quicker than those who didn’t use one.

Zinc can bind with protein molecules and enhance the activity of several key immune system enzymes, including cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases and MAPK phosphatases, that play key roles in controlling inflammation signaling pathways. Furthermore, zinc helps regulate NF-kB transcription factor which controls the expression of genes related to inflammation as well as other functions.

Zinc can be found in numerous foods, including meats, unrefined grains, beans and nuts. While zinc generally digests well into the body and does not build up to toxic levels in excess, certain groups such as seniors and those suffering chronic illnesses are at greater risk of having insufficient supplies of this mineral. Zinc can be easily absorbed when taken in its chelated form, which involves binding it with amino acid glycine. This allows the zinc to pass easily across intestinal walls and into bloodstream. Zinc glycinate is the form of zinc most frequently seen in supplements, lozenges, and sprays. Zinc sulfate combines sulfuric acid to form water-soluble zinc molecules; therefore making this form easier for our bodies to absorb than others.

Supports Heart Health

Numerous cellular processes require zinc, such as neurotransmission, cell signaling and gene regulation. Studies have demonstrated that individuals who consume more dietary zinc tend to experience reduced blood pressure, reduced oxidative stress levels and an lowered risk of type 2 diabetes. It’s an essential nutrient involved in over 300 metabolic reactions in the body and widely available as lozenges, tablets or sprays as dietary supplements. Zinc has generally been well tolerated and safe; however it may interact with certain drugs like tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics; these drugs decrease zinc absorption thus diminishing its effectiveness.

Zinc supplements have long been used to treat conditions ranging from the common cold and diarrhea, through diarrheal illness and inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hair loss, psoriasis and male infertility problems to hair loss and psoriasis. Furthermore, research indicates it could prevent prostate cancer; further investigation may also help fight HIV and improve sperm function for men with low zinc levels; additionally it has also been used successfully against Wilson’s disease, an uncommon liver condition in which excess copper accumulates within the body resulting in symptoms such as low appetite and itching – these conditions seeming improved by supplementing with zinc supplements.

Studies of placebo-controlled trials demonstrated that taking zinc in combination with vitamin E and magnesium improved markers of glycemic control among pregnant women who are overweight or obese, as well as gestational diabetes gestation. Another research project demonstrated how eating foods rich in zinc, along with magnesium and vitamin D helped older adults improve their markers of glycemic control.

Children taking zinc daily for six months appear to reduce the number of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), such as pneumonia and influenza, in those aged under five years, especially in low-income countries. Vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus and whooping cough bacteria can further help protect against pneumonia; while in pregnancy studies did not find evidence suggesting routine zinc supplementation reduces premature birth risks or other indicators of maternal/infant health outcomes.

Supports Bone Health

Zinc plays an essential role in biochemical reactions within the body and is required for DNA and protein synthesis, cell cycle regulation and healthy bone health. Zinc also supports normal insulin and thyroid functioning while contributing to normal intestinal functioning as well as providing resistance against infections – this makes zinc especially helpful when treating diarrheal diseases as it helps lower toxicity from bacteria that cause them. (60)

Zinc deficiency compromises immune function, leading to decreased cell-mediated immunity. Zinc supplementation has been found to significantly boost immunity among those experiencing immunosenescence – an age-related decrease in an individual’s ability to mount a strong immune response – through decreasing inflammation cytokine production from mononuclear cells in vivo and vitro, increasing B cell lymphopoiesis and antigen-induced antibody responses; it may even prevent thymic atrophy as well as increasing NK cell activity as well as helper T cell activity and helper T cell functions.

As people age, their immune systems become less effective due to both physiological and non-physiological factors. Zinc supplements have been found to significantly enhance immunity in older adults by increasing plasma antioxidant capacity and decreasing tissue damage from free radicals. Zinc also balances out TH2 balance while simultaneously decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-a and IFN-g production and decreasing oxidative stress – all factors which impede normal DNA repair in elderly individuals.

Zinc supplementation may interfere with the absorption of certain medications, including tetracyclines and quinolone antibiotics, and reduce effectiveness of certain antiretrovirals such as atazanavir (Reyataz) and ritonavir (Norvir). Therefore, it should be taken at least two hours apart from these drugs for best results. Zinc also interacts with oral contraceptives and should not be taken by people suffering from Wilson’s disease which causes excessive copper accumulation within their bodies – nor should its supplementation interacts with antibiotic phenytoin; consequently.