Zinc is one of the body’s most abundant trace minerals, playing an integral role in hundreds of enzymes and supporting immunity, protein synthesis and DNA repair as well as wound healing, taste perception and smell sensation.

Vitamin D can be found naturally in many plant and animal-derived foods, as well as in fortified cereals and snacks, or taken as dietary supplements.

1. Immune System Support

As evidenced in numerous health ads and features, zinc is widely recognized for boosting immune function. A lack of zinc poses a risk to health; eating an array of beans, meats and fish along with supplements can ensure your body has enough zinc.

Zinc is one of the body’s two most abundant trace minerals and found in every cell. It plays an integral part in many vital processes, from immune support and DNA synthesis/protein production, skin health and senses such as taste/smell to antioxidant properties which reduce oxidative stress that leads to inflammation in our bodies.

Zinc supports immune health by increasing T-cell production – white blood cells responsible for clearing out antigens (foreign bodies that enter the body). Studies have demonstrated how zinc helps detect and remove potential invaders before they cause damage, as well as helping wound healing processes including collagen synthesis, inflammation control and scar formation.

Zinc deficiency is an all too familiar problem among children in lower income regions of the world, particularly children in lower-income schools and classrooms. A deficiency can cause stunted growth, hair loss, diarrhea, and compromised taste and smell senses. Most adults can reach the recommended daily amount through eating healthily; for others however additional supplements may be required; consulting your physician about this matter is always advised to determine whether additional zinc supplements would benefit you best.

2. Healthy Bones

Zinc is an essential trace mineral and acts as an enzyme cofactor, while also offering antioxidant protection from free radicals that may lead to premature aging and disease. A healthy diet should provide ample zinc; if this falls short of expectations then supplements are available as a remedy.

Zinc appears to aid bone growth and homeostasis while stimulating regeneration according to recent research. To fully understand these effects, further investigation of their molecular and cellular mechanisms must be conducted, along with identification of appropriate therapeutic doses to achieve these positive results and optimizing delivery methods in bone-regeneration processes.

People living with HIV/AIDS tend to have lower levels of zinc, an essential mineral needed to support immune function. A zinc deficiency has been linked with higher rates of infections caused by compromised immunity; one form that’s been proven effective is zinc picolinate supplements.

According to a report published last month in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, foods rich in zinc may help protect teen-age girls against osteoporosis later in life. Researchers discovered that moderate zinc deficiency during the growth spurts of 10 female rhesus monkeys led to slower skeletal growth and reduced bone density than control female monkeys with adequate zinc intake at puberty; supporting further research into nutritional interventions against osteoporosis for humans; thus scientists suggest eating foods high in calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc to promote bone health for human bones.

3. Weight Loss

Zinc is one of the body’s most abundant trace minerals, found in every cell and essential for over 300 enzymes to function correctly. Zinc plays a vital role in metabolism and immunity functions as well as DNA synthesis, skin health maintenance and even hair growth and eye care (1).

Zinc’s many health advantages include its capacity to aid weight loss. Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of taking zinc supplements, specifically thyroid boosters, on metabolic rate. Others studies have linked low zinc intake with obesity (3). Furthermore, zinc supplements help facilitate absorption of nutrients into the body more quickly making it easier to obtain enough calories to achieve weight loss (2-5).

Supplementation with zinc has also been demonstrated to lower triglyceride and blood sugar levels, helping individuals maintain optimal weight and fat mass (4). Zinc also assists in controlling hormones that influence hunger and appetite as well as increasing lean muscle tissue in the body (6).

Adults need 8-11 milligrams of zinc daily, and it can easily be met through eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of zinc-rich foods like meat and seafood, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, nuts and seeds. Zinc supplements come in capsule or tablet form; zinc picolinate and zinc gluconate being the two most frequently taken (2).

However, it’s important to keep in mind that too much zinc can cause gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramping and vomiting (2). Furthermore, long-term use can interfere with copper absorption and lower immune function, so make sure your supplements are taken only as instructed.

4. Skin Health

Zinc is an extremely potent anti-inflammatory that helps lower oxidative stress levels in your body and is linked to chronic disease and aging, making zinc an ideal anti-aging supplement to maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Zinc has been found to encourage the production of new skin cells, helping diminish scars and age-related thinning of the skin. Furthermore, zinc may increase skin thickness and elasticity which in turn helps decrease signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Zinc can either be taken orally in supplement form or topically through Renee Rouleau’s Zinc Oxide Formula product.

Acne, rosacea and eczema patients can benefit from using CBD oils topically as it creates an effective barrier against UV rays that cause skin damage and redness. CBD also offers oily skin types an option that balances sebum production while aiding natural skin healing processes.

Studies have revealed that zinc can significantly decrease the number of bacteria that clog pores and cause breakouts, as well as dry excess oil, shrink enlarged pores, reduce cystic acne blemishes, and lessen hormonal acne blemishes. Zinc can either be taken orally as a dietary supplement and has proven just as effective as antibiotic treatments for treating acne.

Zinc is an essential nutrient and can be found in many plant and animal foods, making it essential that we consume daily doses through diet. Because zinc cannot be stored by our bodies, lean meats, poultry, seafood and beans provide excellent sources of zinc.

5. Nervous System Support

Zinc is an essential nutrient the body cannot produce on its own and plays an essential role in DNA synthesis, cell division and immune function. Furthermore, it acts as an antioxidant while also maintaining mucous membranes and combatting inflammation. Studies have also demonstrated its positive impact on mental health by improving cognitive performance, decreasing anxiety levels and helping prevent depression.

Zinc can be found in many plant and animal foods as well as supplements, and often added to natural cold remedies like lozenges. A study on people suffering from the common cold found that taking high doses (80 to 90 mg daily) of zinc was effective at alleviating their symptoms and shortening its duration.

Research suggests zinc may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive eye condition which can result in vision loss. One large study revealed that people taking 80 mg zinc supplements combined with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin had significantly lower risks of advanced AMD than those not taking such a combination.

Zinc deficiency can occur if one doesn’t consume enough zinc-rich foods or experiences difficulty digesting and absorbing this mineral due to digestive issues or other medical conditions, including vegan/vegetarian diets which don’t include meat and dairy products which are the major sources of zinc. People living with HIV or AIDS are at particular risk of low zinc levels which leaves them more prone to infections due to lower immune defense systems.