What is zinc and how it can benefit your health?
“The strongest evidence for use is increasing zinc intake on the onset of symptoms to support faster recovery times versus protection against respiratory tract infections,” she says. Zinc benefits the body in other ways, too.
What are the important uses of zinc?
Your body uses zinc to do the following:
- Heal wounds
- Support the function of your immune system
- Develop your reproductive system
- Develop your sense of taste and smell
- Produce and store insulin
- Help your thyroid and metabolism work properly
- Make proteins and DNA
What are some benefits of taking zinc?
Zinc may also be effective for the treatment of:
- acne – one study, published in JAMA, showed promising results of zinc sulfate for the treatment of acne
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD)
- osteoporosis
- preventing and treating pneumonia
How does zinc benefit the body?
Zinc Health Benefits
- Strengthens the immune system. ...
- Fights the symptoms of acne. ...
- Reduces oxidative stress. ...
- Slows down the progression of HIV. ...
- Improves male fertility. ...
- Slows the onset of AMD. ...
- Prevents prostate cancer. ...
- Participates in mental functioning. ...
- Promotes weight loss. ...
- Fights chronic fatigue. ...
See more
What are the benefits of taking zinc daily?
Zinc may effectively reduce inflammation, boost immune health, reduce your risk of age-related diseases, speed wound healing and improve acne symptoms.
How much zinc can you take in a day?
Health authorities have set the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for zinc at 40 mg per day for adults. The UL is the highest recommended daily amount of a nutrient. For most people, this amount is unlikely to cause negative side effects ( 1 , 2).
What are the side effects of taking zinc?
Zinc supplements are generally well tolerated, though they've been associated with adverse side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain in some people ( 1 ). Plus, exceeding 40 mg per day of elemental zinc can cause flu-like symptoms like fever, coughing, headache, and fatigue ( 1 ).
When should I take zinc?
Zinc supplements are most effective if they are taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, if zinc supplements cause stomach upset, they may be taken with a meal. You should tell your health care professional if you are taking your zinc supplement with meals.
Is it OK to take vitamin C and zinc together?
In pooled analyses of both studies (n=94), vitamin C plus zinc was significantly more efficient than placebo at reducing rhinorrhoea over 5 days of treatment. Furthermore, symptom relief was quicker and the product was well tolerated.
When should I take zinc morning or night?
Zinc is often part of multivitamins but is also taken alone or in combination with vitamin C. Its absorption is most effective on an empty stomach, but it can cause stomach upsets. In this case it should be taken with a meal and therefore not late at night.
Does zinc affect your heart?
Zinc, an essential micronutrient, affects the heart by modulating cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and maintaining myocardial structure, among other mechanisms. In cross-sectional studies, patients with heart failure have often had zinc deficiencies, suggesting effects on the ongoing pathogenesis of heart failure.
Can zinc cause blood clots?
There is a lot of evidence linking zinc to blood clotting. Zinc is released from cells called platelets that control blood clotting, and scientists have found unwanted blood clots can form when zinc levels in the blood are faulty.
Does zinc make you sleepy?
It is necessary in the metabolism of Melatonin which is a key hormone for healthy sleep. Zinc is one of the three minerals that have a sedative effect on the nervous system (the others are Calcium and Magnesium) and is also thought to help mental recovery post-stress.
Can you take vitamin D and zinc together?
No interactions were found between Vitamin D3 and Zinc.
Does zinc help with respiratory infection?
A detailed meta-analysis demonstrated that Zn supplementation significantly decreased the incidence of acute lower respiratory infection defined according to specific clinical criteria in children aged <5 years (100).
Can I take zinc with high blood pressure meds?
Do not take zinc supplements if you take amiloride. Blood pressure medications, ACE Inhibitors -- A class of medications called ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure, may decrease the levels of zinc in your blood.
Why is zinc important for your body?
1. Builds Immunity. Shutterstock. Zinc plays a key role in your body’s immunity to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In studies conducted on both young adults and the elderly, zinc supplementation was found to decrease oxidative stress and halt the generation of inflammatory cytokines ( 1 ).
Why is zinc important for the immune system?
Zinc is most popularly known for boosting immunity and keeping the common cold at bay. In addition to its role in keeping the body’s immune system strong and preventing infection, this trace mineral is important for a multitude of functions, including energy production, alertness, mood, and healthy brain function.
What is zinc in?
Zinc is found in most multivitamin and multimineral supplements. They often contain zinc in the form of zinc sulfate, zinc acetate, or zinc gluconate, though the best-absorbed forms of zinc are the glycinate, citrate, and monomethionine forms of the mineral, which are found in higher quality supplements. All good.
Why is zinc important for digestion?
This is because zinc serves an important role in regulating gastric acidity as well as producing digestive enzymes in the small intestine.
What are the nutrients that are needed for cancer?
Zinc and other nutrient deficiencies (e.g., magnesium, selenium, vitamin D) are common in cancer patients, suggesting a link between these nutrients and the possible prevention of various forms of cancer ( 5 ).
Which form of zinc produces the most ions?
The form of zinc that produces the most ions is zinc acetate with zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate (commonly used in cold formulas) producing lesser amounts, but coming in a close second. In addition to its immune strengthening effects, zinc also promotes faster wound healing as well.
How much zinc is in a cup of mushrooms?
Mushrooms (1 cup contains 0.6 milligrams of zinc, which meets 7% DV) Salmon (3 ounces contain 0.5 milligrams of zinc, which meets 6% DV) Cocoa powder (1 tablespoon contains 0.3 milligrams of zinc, which meets 3% DV) You might also want to look at supplements.
Accelerates Wound Healing
Zinc is commonly used in hospitals as a treatment for burns, certain ulcers and other skin injuries ( 10 ).
May Reduce the Risk of Certain Age-Related Diseases
Zinc may significantly reduce your risk of age-related diseases, such as pneumonia, infection and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
May Help Treat Acne
Acne is a common skin disease that is estimated to affect up to 9.4% of the global population ( 19 ).
Decreases Inflammation
Zinc decreases oxidative stress and reduces levels of certain inflammatory proteins in your body ( 23 ).
Recommended Dosages
In order to avoid overconsumption, stay away from high-dose zinc supplements unless recommended by a doctor.
Why do people take zinc supplements?
Sometimes, zinc supplements are used to prevent or treat a deficiency. People who are unable to get enough through their diet, or who can’t properly absorb it, may benefit from supplements.
What is zinc used for?
According to researchers at the Department of Dermatology at the University of California: Zinc plays an essential role in numerous biochemical pathways: organ systems, including the integumentary, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems….
How long does zinc supplementation take to work?
In one study by the Department of Internal Medicine at Wayne University, after 20 weeks of zinc restriction, giving patients zinc supplements effectively increased serum testosterone in the majority of men.
Why is zinc important for blood sugar?
Zinc benefits blood sugar levels because it binds to insulin, so insulin is adequately stored in the pancreas and released when glucose enters the bloodstream.
What percentage of the world population is at risk for zinc deficiency?
Zinc deficiency is somewhat common around the world, including in the U.S. A 2019 report estimates that up to 17 percent of the global population is at risk for inadequate zinc intake.
Why is zinc important for the heart?
Helps Maintain Heart Health by Supporting Blood Vessels. Zinc is needed to maintain the health of cells within the cardiovascular system, while also lowering inflammation and oxidative stress. The endothelium, the thin layer of cells that lines the blood vessels, partially relies on adequate levels of the mineral.
How much zinc should I take a day?
That said, some studies have found that taking high doses around 80 to 90 mg/day can help safely fight off cold symptoms. Still, consuming over 40 to 60 mg/day may lead to certain zinc overdose side effects, so speak to your health care professional before increasing your dosage.
What does zinc do for your body?
Zinc is a nutrient that the body needs only in small amounts for carrying out vital chemical reactions and functions, including:
What foods contain zinc?
The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. Food sources of zinc include:
What increases the risk of zinc deficiency?
Certain groups of people are more at risk of developing zinc deficiency. These include people with:
Are zinc supplements safe?
Zinc supplements are generally safe. However, the use of intranasal zinc is not recommended because it has been linked with losing the sense of smell.
What is zinc used for?
As we have already mentioned, zinc plays an all important role in cell growth, replication and repair and this applies to the skin as much as any other part of the body.
Why is zinc important for diabetes?
Diabetes. Zinc is necessary to balance many of the body’s hormones including the insulin responsible for regulating blood sugar. Zinc can benefit the level of blood sugar by binding to insulin allowing for it to be stored by the pancreas and released effectively.
What would happen if we didn't have zinc?
We know for sure that without zinc, many of our essential bodily functions would go awry. The WHO has stated that over 30% of the world’s population are deficient in zinc. There are a number of symptoms of zinc deficiency such as muscle waste, hair loss and poor immunity.
How long does it take for zinc to work after a cold?
Research published in 2013 by Indian researchers revealed that if you start taking zinc supplements within the first 24 hours of the onset of your cold, symptoms disappeared significantly faster. (2)
Why are alcoholics at a greater risk for zinc deficiency?
Alcoholics are also at a much greater risk of zinc deficiency because their diets tend to be much less nutritious. Women who are taking the contraceptive pill and those undergoing hormone replacement therapy are also believed to be more prone to a zinc deficiency.
How do you know if you have zinc deficiency?
The following signs are the most common: Weight loss or weight gain. Changes in a person;s appetite which can include cravings for sweet or salty foods.
Why is zinc important for muscle growth?
zinc also plays a very important role in cell growth and division meaning it helps boost both muscle growth and repair following injury. It also helps the body maintain muscular and skeletal strength meaning you will feel fitter and stronger physically. Muscle mass is also boosted by the fact that zinc helps to stimulate the release of the hormone-testosterone.
What is zinc good for?
Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals.
How long after zinc can you take antibiotics?
Taking the antibiotic two hours before or four to six hours after taking zinc can minimize this effect. Penicillamine. Using oral zinc with the rheumatoid arthritis drug penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) can reduce the drug's ability to ease arthritis symptoms.
Does zinc help with skin ulcers?
Wound healing. People with skin ulcers and low levels of zinc might benefit from oral zinc supplements. Diarrhea.
Can zinc help with diarrhea?
Oral zinc supplements can reduce the symptoms of diarrhea in children with low levels of zinc, such as from malnutrition. There isn't enough evidence to recommend use of oral zinc for children with diarrhea who have a healthy, varied diet. Age-related macular degeneration.
Does zinc oxide help with macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration. Research suggests that oral zinc might slow the progression of this eye disease. Zinc that's used topically is known as zinc oxide. Zinc oxide cream, ointment or paste is applied to the skin to prevent conditions such as diaper rash and sunburn.
Can zinc supplements be taken after a cold?
Oral zinc supplements might benefit people with low levels of zinc. Taken soon after cold symptoms appear, zinc might also shorten the length of a cold. However, don't use intranasal zinc, which has been linked with the loss of the sense of smell.
What is zinc used for?
Zinc is well known for its role in blood sugar control and insulin secretion. Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from your bloodstream to your tissues ( 14#N#Trusted Source#N#).
What is the best zinc for colds?
Here are a few you might find on the market: 1 Zinc gluconate: As one of the most common over-the-counter forms of zinc, zinc gluconate is often used in cold remedies, such as lozenges and nasal sprays ( 2 ). 2 Zinc acetate: Like zinc gluconate, zinc acetate is often added to cold lozenges to reduce symptoms and speed up the rate of recovery ( 3#N#Trusted Source#N#). 3 Zinc sulfate: In addition to helping prevent zinc deficiency, zinc sulfate has been shown to reduce the severity of acne ( 4#N#Trusted Source#N#). 4 Zinc picolinate: Some research suggests that your body may absorb this form better than other types of zinc, including zinc gluconate and zinc citrate ( 5#N#Trusted Source#N#). 5 Zinc orotate: This form is bound to orotic acid and one of the most common types of zinc supplements on the market ( 6 ). 6 Zinc citrate: One study showed that this type of zinc supplement is as well-absorbed as zinc gluconate but has a less bitter, more appealing taste ( 7#N#Trusted Source#N#).
What is zinc gluconate used for?
Here are a few you might find on the market: Zinc gluconate: As one of the most common over-the-counter forms of zinc, zinc gluconate is often used in cold remedies, such as lozenges and nasal sprays ( 2 ). ).
How much zinc is needed for colds?
One review of seven studies showed that zinc lozenges containing 80-92 mg of zinc may reduce common cold duration by up to 33% ( 10. Trusted Source. ). Zinc may also act as an antioxidant, helping reduce inflammation and protecting against chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes ( 11.
Is zinc picolinate good for you?
Trusted Source. ). Because it’s one of the most widely available and cost-effective forms of zinc, zinc gluconate can be a good option to help bump up your intake without breaking your bank. However, if you’re able to invest a bit more, zinc picolinate may be better absorbed.
Does zinc sulfate help acne?
Zinc sulfate: In addition to helping prevent zinc deficiency , zinc sulfate has been shown to reduce the severity of acne ( 4. Trusted Source. ). Zinc picolinate: Some research suggests that your body may absorb this form better than other types of zinc, including zinc gluconate and zinc citrate ( 5. Trusted Source.
Can zinc supplements cause digestive issues?
Summary. Zinc can cause negative side effects, including digestive issues and flu-like symptoms.