Zinc is a trace element needed by plants and organisms alike. It is needed in the formation of many enzymes used by the body. Zinc is located throughout the body, mostly in the brain, and bones. It has some important functions in the body related to the brain's synapses, DNA metabolism, apoptosis, and the development of the reproductive organs.
Zinc Deficiency
People can generally have a deficiency in zinc supplements from not receiving enough in their diet, or those with malabsorption problems. Many symptoms can result from this deficiency such as hair loss, growth impairment, increased infections, fatigue, memory impairment, prostate trouble, skin lesions, high cholesterol levels, and loss of sense of taste. More than a billion people worldwide have this mineral deficiency. Diets such as vegetarians are at risk for zinc supplements deficiency because meat is a primary source for this mineral.
Too much can depress the immune system, and the body maintains this balance. It is important to know how much Zinc you need, and when. 11 mg a day is all that is needed for Men, and 8 mg for Women. Zinc can be toxic when too much is consumed resulting in the suppression of other trace nutrients, such as copper, and iron.
Food Sources
Zinc is abundant in meats, kelp, egg yolks, whole grains, and nuts. Other foods such as legumes, lima beans, poultry, seafood, and liver are also good sources of Zinc.
Where to find Zinc Supplements
It can be found in cereals, cough drops, and over the counter. There are zinc lozenges used for colds, because zinc supplements have shown antioxidant properties, and help with flu symptoms. Supplements are used by people who have malabsorption problems and cannot get enough from dietary intake. Common forms of supplements are Zinc Oxide, which has shown the same bioavailability as other forms of Zinc Supplements.
Zinc supplements exist in Toothpaste to prevent halitosis, shampoos to prevent dandruff, and throat lozenges as stated earlier. However these are all zinc supplements in different forms. Such as Zinc lactate which is used in toothpaste to prevent halitosis which is a disorder causing extremely bad breath. You can find zinc supplements at most drug stores, and almost any health food store.
Should you use zinc supplements?
Unless you have a disorder recognized by your doctor, I would suggest that supplements are not needed. And instead should get most of your body's needs from food sources which contain zinc. This may be difficult if you have dietary restrictions, but you should be able to obtain more than enough from the foods you eat.
Conclusion: Zinc supplements are easy to find in health food stores, but whole food is the best way to receive the daily recommended amounts safely. Too much can cause many complications.
The Many Benefits Of Zinc Supplements
Getting enough zinc can do wonders in numerous health conditions. Zinc activates white blood cells to fight infections. It helps protect the body against viruses. Men need zinc supplements for sperm production and to keep the prostate gland healthy. Zinc helps the pancreas make insulin and keep normal sugar levels.
Zinc is essential for good memory. Zinc supplements even help teenagers get better grades in school.
How important is zinc? Zinc is present in every cell in the body. It is a component of over 200 enzymes. There are high amounts of zinc in red blood cells, white blood cells, your bones, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and retina. Men have high concentrations of zinc supplements in the prostate gland. Every cell in the body needs zinc to divide and replace itself when the body makes new tissues.
Here are two lists. One is a list of conditions that can occur when the body does not get enough zinc. The second is a list of conditions that improve due to the benefits of zinc supplements.
Not getting enough zinc can lead to chronic fatigue, dermatitis, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, female infertility, impaired platelet aggregation, insulin resistance, and loss of taste or smell. It can cause reduced resistance to infection, night blindness, poor appetite, poor memory, attention deficit disorder, and reduced learning ability, and it can cause slower growth in children, slow healing of wounds, and infertility in men. Add to this list Acrodermatitis enteropathica, Alopecia, atrophy of the testes, bone loss and osteoporosis, decreased sperm count, decreased sperm motility, delayed puberty, nerve cell problems in Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome, and ringing in the ears.
Among the benefits of zinc supplement is improved immune function. Other benefits of zinc supplements are adding calcium to bones and teeth, lowering blood sugars, helping interferon work in treating hepatitis C, clearing up bacterial prostatitis, and recharging the male sex drive. They can help recovery in brain injury, improve brain function, restore night vision, increase sperm count, and stimulate the libido.
Extra zinc supplements can help bring out weight gain in anorexia nervosa and help children with sickle cell disease. It can even cure bad breath.
Who needs the benefits of zinc supplements? You might be surprised. The United Nations University found that 20% of people worldwide are deficient in zinc. Zinc in supplements is needed to prevent childhood infections and diarrhea and to support normal growth and development.
Think you're safe if you eat a good diet? Think again. Scores of modern medications deplete the body's stores of zinc. Any woman who takes the Pill or hormone replacement therapy or medication to prevent osteoporosis is at risk for nutritional deficiency and may need zinc supplements. Heart patients, diabetics, and epileptics also need zinc supplements.
Even some supplements increase the body's need for zinc. Calcium supplements, magnesium supplements, and whey all can interfere with the absorption of zinc. Never take zinc supplements at the same time you take these supplements, and always be sure you are getting enough of the benefits of zinc supplements if you take any supplements for bone health or muscle health.
What about side effects of zinc supplements?
If you take too much zinc, your body will have difficulty absorbing copper. It's OK to take up to 20 mg every 2 hours for as long as 2 weeks to fight a cold, but for everyday nutrition limit your intake to 15 mg a day. Zinc supplements can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but only if you take about a gram-over 60 times the recommended dose.
How can you tell if you are taking too much zinc?
Here is a simple test. Overdoses of zinc supplements numb your taste buds to bitter flavor and metallic aftertastes. Zinc has a metallic taste. If you can't taste zinc, you don't need to take it! The benefits of zinc supplements are yours with just a small, regular dose.