Zinc plays many key roles in the human body, including protecting the immune system. As seasonal changes bring the onset of new health challenges, your body depends on this essential mineral to stay healthy. Find out more about why taking a zinc supplement may be beneficial to your health.
Zinc does much more for your body than you may realize. While your body only requires small amounts of the mineral to function, it is an essential nutrient in your daily diet for many reasons. Zinc is responsible for supporting the immune system, enzyme activities, tissue synthesis, energy metabolism and so much more.
How the Body Uses Zinc
Found in the cells, zinc is an essential mineral responsible for many functions throughout the human body. It plays a major role in the functioning of our gastrointestinal, immune, skeletal, reproductive and central nervous systems, to name just a few.
Most importantly, zinc aids in the proper functioning of the immune system and supports the body during exposure to stress, so your body can fight off invading bacteria and viruses and keep you healthy. According to the National Institutes of Health, the human body also uses this mineral to produce proteins and DNA, which our body requires for healthy growth and development, especially during infancy, childhood and pregnancy.
It is also critical for cognitive function, thyroid function, collagen formation, tissue development, enzymatic reactions, protein synthesis and more.
Top Ten Benefits of Zinc
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- Supports immune system
- Provides antioxidant support
- Supports hormonal health and fertility
- Maintains blood sugar levels already within the normal range
- Supports wound healing
- Supports digestive health
- Promotes prostatic function
- Supports metabolic function
- Promotes nutrient absorption, which supports liver health
- Maintains muscular and skeletal system health
Effects of Zinc Deficiency
Since the body uses zinc so frequently, the mineral must be replenished in your diet. It can naturally be found in foods like lamb, seafood, beef, oysters, raw milk and unpasteurized, organic dairy products. While you can get some amounts of zinc from green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains, plant-based diets do not provide as much of the mineral as meats that are naturally higher in protein. That’s why vegans, vegetarians and people with gastrointestinal problems are most at risk for having a zinc deficiency.
Even with a healthy diet, zinc deficiency is quite common throughout the world. According to researchers at the Department of Dermatology at the University of California, even a small deficiency may have a negative impact on your health. “Without enough zinc present in your diet, it’s possible to experience negative reactions like frequently getting sick; feeling like you’re always tired and run down; poor concentration; stunted growth and the inability to heal wounds.†(source)
Recommended Daily Intake
According to the National Institutes of Health, the dietary reference intakes for zinc are based on age and gender.
Infants
- 0–6 months: 2 mg/day
- 7–12 months: 3 mg/day
Children
- 1–3 years: 3 mg/day
- 4–8 years: 5 mg/day
- 9 –13 years: 8 mg/day
Adolescents and Adults
- Males age 14 and over: 11 mg/day
- Females age 14 to 18 years: 9 mg/day
- Females age 19 and over: 8 mg/day
Read this informative blog and infographic from Natural Healthy Concepts to find out if you may have a zinc deficiency.
Professional Grade Supplements
Taking zinc supplements can help keep the body from deficiency. Supplements are available in various forms, including multivitamin and mineral tablets, capsules, lozenges, syrups and gels.
Try our best-selling professional brands of supplements today!
Zinc 30 by Pure Encapsulations is a hypoallergenic dietary supplement that contains 180 capsules of 30 mg of zinc (as picolinate) and 4 mg of vitamin C (as ascorbyl palmitate), as well as plant fiber, to promote your body’s natural defense system.
Zinc Orotate by Advanced Research contains 200 tablets of 9.5 mg of zinc (as gluconate) and 18 mg of magnesium to provide immunity and antioxidant support.
Reacted Zinc by Ortho Molecular delivers 60 capsules containing 54 mg of highly absorbable chelated zinc to support overall immunity, healthy collagen and tissue formation.
Zinc Picolinate by Douglas Laboratories provides 100 capsules of 50 mg of zinc (from picolinate) to support optimal immune health, cognitive function, and provide antioxidant protection.
Zinc A.G. by Metagenics delivers 60 tablets of the highly absorbable mineral (20 mg per serving), featuring a special chelate that uses arginate and glycinate to support immune function, energy metabolism, tissue synthesis, enzyme activity and prostate health.
Do you take a zinc supplement? We’d love to hear how it has made a difference to your health!
Share your story in the comments below.
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Leslie Benson writes regularly about nutrition and healthy living for Natural Healthy Concepts. Visit NHC.com today to browse a wide selection of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements.
