Zinc is an essential micronutrient, serving an integral role in many biochemical reactions within the body – from immune function and DNA replication, to protein production.

Zinc supplements come in the form of capsules, tablets and liquid lozenges and drops; many of these supplements have been chelated to allow easier absorption into the body.

Why Zinc?

Zinc is an essential trace mineral, essential for cell growth and involved in DNA synthesis, protein production and more. As an essential nutrient in immune function it can be found both animal and plant foods as well as in natural cold remedies sold as zinc supplements or lozenges (9). Zinc may also help treat skin lesions or burns while potentially helping reduce inflammation and speed healing (9).

People who do not receive enough zinc through diet may wish to consider supplementation with zinc supplements in various forms, including amino acid chelate form that is easily absorbed by the body. Plant sources of zinc include legumes such as beans and lentils, whole grains (quinoa and brown rice), nuts and seeds such as peanuts or pumpkin seeds; animal products (meat/shellfish) contain higher levels that the body easily absorbs; foods like ready-to-eat breakfast cereals or snack bars may even be fortified with this mineral content.

As zinc can’t be stored by our bodies, it is vital to consume adequate amounts each day through diet. Men should aim for 11 mg a day of zinc consumption while 8 mg are sufficient for women; pregnant and breastfeeding women may increase to 12 milligrams daily of zinc consumption.

Zinc has antioxidant properties and research indicates it may reduce damage caused by oxidation of cells within our bodies – known as “oxidative stress,” this damage may contribute to chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes (24).

Research also suggests that zinc has antioxidative effects, while also helping to lower copper buildup associated with Wilson’s disease (25). Furthermore, zinc could slow vision loss for those suffering macular degeneration (26).

Zinc is an essential mineral for children’s normal development and growth (8). Infants require 2 milligrams per day of zinc; additionally, this nutrient plays a key role in creating and activating white blood cells and antibodies (7).

Benefits

Zinc is an essential nutrient found naturally in meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, nuts, legumes and various vegetables. You can also find it in various zinc-enriched supplements, such as lozenges, gels and nasal sprays. Zinc has long been recognized for its potential to treat common cold symptoms quickly while shortening illness duration; additionally it may contribute to healthier immune function by protecting you against foreign substances posing a threat to health.

Zinc has numerous functions beyond being an antioxidant; it plays an essential part in DNA and RNA metabolism, protein synthesis and immune function – as well as being essential to pregnant women and children alike.

Studies indicate that zinc may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and act as an anti-inflammatory, potentially decreasing your risk for cardiovascular disease. Further research must be completed before these benefits can be confirmed, so speak to your physician to see whether this supplement could be right for you.

Zinc may play an essential role in improving skin health, from decreasing wrinkles and keeping it hydrated to diminishing acne scarring. Furthermore, zinc aids wound healing as it protects lipids and fibroblasts that make collagen. Furthermore, Zinc has also been shown to decrease oxidative stress while attenuating proinflammatory cytokines associated with chronic diseases associated with aging such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration.

Pneumonia is a serious threat for older adults, and zinc deficiency may play a part in its incidence and severity. Eating foods rich in zinc helps alleviate its symptoms like fever, coughing and chest pain as well as prevent future episodes.

Zinc supplements have long been revered for eye health, with research suggesting they could even slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies that included people at high risk for AMD who regularly took daily dietary supplements containing 80 mg zinc plus vitamin E, C and either beta carotene or lutein and zeaxanthin significantly reduced their chance of advanced AMD development compared with those who didn’t take these supplements; more studies need to be conducted before making definitive claims that such remedies prevent or delay its onset.

Side Effects

Zinc is an essential micronutrient essential to our bodies, contributing to hundreds of biochemical reactions in various organs and systems. Zinc plays an integral role in immune function, DNA synthesis and protein regulation as well as supporting pregnancy health and wound healing. Zinc supplements are also often taken in order to prevent deficiency.

Zinc supplements in combination with other nutrients may be an effective way to support eye health and treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Zinc gluconate has been demonstrated to increase calcium absorption by heart cells, decrease oxidative stress levels and decrease levels of inflammatory cytokines that contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Studies have demonstrated that taking zinc with vitamin C, E or beta-carotene can significantly lower the risk of advanced AMD by decreasing free radical production that damages retinal tissues. Zinc chelate may further provide protection by stabilizing RNA and DNA structures to keep free radicals at bay.

Zinc supplementation has been found to alleviate symptoms associated with nerve damage caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). It may also help manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in those living with type 2 diabetes. Zinc sulfate has also been found beneficial when taken in conjunction with other vitamins and minerals like folic acid for helping improve kidney function in those suffering chronic kidney disease.

Studies suggest that zinc gluconate can significantly increase bone density among adults when taken along with a diet rich in magnesium and potassium. Furthermore, taking zinc gluconate regularly may also decrease osteoporosis-related bone loss while helping prevent or postpone fractures among elderly individuals.

Zinc appears to aid infants who are undernourished in terms of diarrheal illness. Zinc sulfate has also shown promise in alleviating Wilson’s disease-associated diarrhea; additionally it can assist those who are zinc deficient and suffer from weak immune systems such as those living with Down syndrome.

Zinc can likely be taken safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding when taken at recommended daily dosage levels; however, long-term use of high doses could cause anemia in this population. Zinc could potentially become unsafe when combined with certain cancer drugs such as Adriamycin (Adriamycin), Ifex (Ifex), Cisplatin (Platinol-AQ) etc; similarly it should not be combined with immunosuppressant medications like corticosteroids, Cyclosporine and Methotrexate which would potentially increase its danger potential significantly.

Warnings

Zinc is generally considered safe when taken at recommended amounts (see Table). However, zinc may interact with certain medications like antibiotics and diuretics and cause deficiency of copper that could be dangerous to some individuals; taking a multivitamin with zinc, as well as eating food rich in both minerals is advised for optimal results.

Zinc supplementation has been found to relieve symptoms associated with psoriasis, such as red and itchy skin. In addition, zinc can assist with other conditions like diarrhea and compromised immunity systems. Furthermore, zinc supplements have also been known to enhance taste and smell as well as support healthy wound healing processes. Zinc is an antioxidant which can protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. Aspirin can be taken orally to help prevent cancers such as esophageal cancer and stomach cancer; treat rheumatoid arthritis; prevent ulcerative colitis, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; avoid chemotherapy-related anemia; pregnancy complications like iron deficiency anemia or sickle cell anemia; as well as prevent ear infections in children.

Zinc supplements are most often taken in capsule or tablet form and come in strengths that range from 0.1 mg to 100 mg of elemental zinc per pill. Reputable companies such as NatureMade and Metagenics manufacture quality zinc supplements with USP verification, employing teams of PhDs, registered dietitians and naturopathic doctors who oversee all ingredients to ensure high standards for safety, purity and potency – they’re even certified by B Corporation which requires them to meet rigorous social and environmental criteria.