Zinc is an essential trace mineral essential to all cell processes and plays an integral part in immune function; zinc deficiency reduces cellular immunity while adequate intake supports immune response.

Zinc can also enhance expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a (PPAR-a), stimulating liver enzymes responsible for fatty acid metabolism and oxidation – essential processes that contribute to normal aging while also helping maintain normal cell functions.

Supports Immune System Function

Zinc is an essential micronutrient essential for numerous biochemical reactions in the body. It plays an integral part in DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and regulates transcription; additionally it serves as an antioxidant found in meat, unrefined carbohydrates beans and seeds as well as in animal products such as eggs. Zinc plays a key role in maintaining immune health for older adults by decreasing oxidative damage caused by inflammation cytokines while blocking transcription factor that activates the NF-kB signaling pathway; additionally it increases expression of metallothionein proteins which act against free radical damage while sequestering free radicals effectively.

Zinc acts as a signaling ion within cells and its intracellular concentration influences various enzymes and transcription factors (figure 1). Zinc can be controlled via three mechanisms within cells: transport through plasma membrane via ZnT or ZIP family zinc transporters; storage in multiple-liganded vesicles known as zincosomes; and binding to metallothionein protein which has seven binding sites with differing affinity that together act as zinc sinks (figure 2).

Experimental studies have demonstrated that low levels of zinc reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in human cells. One such study on peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated how zinc supplementation reduced their response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), both in vitro and in vivo.

This effect was associated with increased expression of the PPAR-a protein, known to block NF-kB activation and production of proinflammatory cytokines/molecules. A separate in vitro experiment demonstrated how zinc could prevent LPS-induced activation by increasing expression of anti-inflammatory protein A20 expression.

Zinc reduced liver and lung lipid peroxidation while simultaneously increasing antioxidant capacity. Zinc chelate showed to be effective at protecting heart cells against oxidative damage and increasing their ability to regenerate nitric oxide in vivo, leading to decreased inflammation cytokines and damage, along with increasing GSH-Chyrilated glutathione production within heart tissue – evidence suggesting it directly enters circulation as it can be more readily absorbed than traditional zinc supplements.

Reduces Free Radical Damage

Zinc is an essential mineral essential to many bodily biochemical reactions and plays a key role in DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Furthermore, zinc serves as a co-factor in many antioxidant enzymes which reduce oxidative stress and protect cells against cell damage. Zinc can be found in many foods including meat, dairy products, unrefined grains nuts legumes and seeds and most people can obtain their daily requirement through eating a healthy diet alone; however seniors or those suffering chronic illness such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), supplementation may help maintain optimal zinc levels to support healthy immune function and immune function.

Zinc plays an integral part in both cell-mediated and humoral immunity, helping boost antibody production while modulating the TH1-TH2 balance towards TH2, decreasing proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IFN-alpha, IL-18 and IL-23 production in immune cells. A lack of zinc depletes an organism’s reserves of this essential nutrient and increases oxidative stress production – it’s therefore crucial that adequate intake be maintained at all times!

Zinc can reduce oxidative stress by inhibiting the oxidation of nitric oxide and lipoprotein lipid peroxidation in vitro, and by encouraging formation of metallothionein, which acts to lower hydroxyl radical levels – this is one reason why zinc may reduce damage in retinas of people living with AMD.

Zinc’s ability to prevent oxidative damage lies in its capacity for quenching reactive oxygen species; some experts consider zinc supplements useful in treating chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as AMD.

Zinc Zenith Forte contains bioavailable zinc amino acid chelate and zinc ascorbate along with vitamins and minerals for maximum antioxidant activity, as well as an assortment of herbs proven to support healthy inflammation response. Produced in an FDA-certified facility under rigorous quality controls testing, the capsules make this formula easily ingestible by vegetarians as well.

Promotes Skin Health

Zinc is essential to skin health, as it reduces free radical formation which damages cells. Zinc also stimulates new cell production, lowers inflammation levels and boosts protein production – all which help fight infection. Furthermore, it regulates natural killer (NK) cells that help fight viruses, bacteria and tumor cells in our immune systems.

Zinc can significantly alleviate symptoms associated with colds and shorten their duration, as well as reduce blood pressure and improve heart function, prevent certain lung diseases, increase eye health, promote healing after burns, treat infections in the gastrointestinal tract and promote reproductive health. Zinc supplements may even help with depression or other mental disorders – some studies indicate taking zinc alongside antidepressant medication seems to help ease its impact. It has even been used successfully against foot ulcers caused by diabetes while research suggests potential protection from dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Some individuals take zinc for skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea and eczema as well as hair loss and blood disorders such as thalassemia. Zinc is also often taken to treat chronic gastrointestinal inflammation known as Crohn’s disease as well as stomach ulcers; furthermore it has also been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged prostate, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), warts caused by leishmaniasis infections as well as treating male fertility issues.

Elderly adults typically require more zinc than younger adults as physiological functions begin to diminish with age and this can affect how much they eat and absorb nutrients. Zinc is often recommended to people living with dementia or depression as well as eye problems and cataract prevention as well as slowing the aging process.

Zinc Zenith is an excellent way to add more zinc into their diet. This supplement offers a good balance of various forms of zinc as well as other essential minerals and nutritional co-factors that may support optimal immune system functioning, skin health benefits and reduced free radical damage to cells in your body. Plus it’s USP verified and produced within a cGMP certified facility so you know you are getting quality ingredients at every turn.

Supports Bone Health

Zinc can help defend against the damaging effects of oxidative stress by decreasing DNA and protein oxidative damage as well as free radical accumulation within our bodies. Studies have revealed this fact.

Elderly adults are at particular nutritional risk due to a combination of physiological, social and economic factors which may impede absorption, absorption rate, immune function, mineral metabolism and bone health. Studies indicate that diet intakes fall below recommended levels in this age group – for instance zinc has been proven to significantly boost antioxidant power while decreasing oxidative stress in older adults.

One of the more prevalent side effects of aging is low bone density or osteoporosis, caused by decreased new bone formation rates, loss of existing bone mass, and decreased strength. Zinc supplements may help improve strength while increasing BMC in those living with Thal disease.

Studies have also indicated that zinc may increase osteoblast activity, the primary mechanism for bone formation. Furthermore, zinc has been found to impact bone turnover by inhibiting the activity of RANKL protein which regulates osteoclastogenesis process.

Bisphosphonates offer another approach to improving bone health through blocking osteoclasts from breaking down bones and causing bone loss, but long-term use can have serious side effects, including an increase in calcium and magnesium levels that could cause soft tissues calcification. Zinc supplements may offer an easier and safer solution to increasing bone strength.

The ZENITH Study randomly assigned 42 subjects with Thal and low bone mass to either take 25 mg/d of zinc or placebo over 18 months, with both lateral spine and total-body adjusted bone mineral density increasing significantly more in zinc-treated subjects than placebo groups at 18-month assessments; specifically more so lateral spine than hip BMC increased. Some participants dropped out after 3 months but all returned later assessments for an intention-to-treat analysis.