Health Benefits of ZINC

Role of Zinc

Zinc is the second most abundant Trace Mineral in human body totalling nearly 2 gm. Zinc has multiple Health benefits. It plays an important role in more than 300 enzymatic reactions and also acts as a cofactor in many chemical reactions related to DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis.

There is less chances of zinc deficiency because Zinc is widely available in food. There most prevalent reason of deficiency is the absorption of Zinc from gut.

The major absorption inhibitor found to be Phytic acid present in legumes and cereals. It is well known that iron decreases the absorption of Zinc from gut and protein increases the absorption of Zinc. This is the reason why the vegetarian diet low in protein makes one more prone to zinc deficiency.

Women, children, infants and elderly are more prone to Zinc deficiencies because of inadequate zinc in foods, malabsorption and excretion rate.

Conditions associated with Zinc Deficiency

• Retarded Growth in children and adolescents
• Impaired Intestinal Integrity (leaky gut)
• Low immunity (frequent colds, flu and viral infections)
• Increased risk of pneumonia and diarrhoea
• Acne and skin disorders like boils, cysts and allergies
• Low fertility in men and women
• Alopecia
• Memory and cognitive disorders
• Metabolic disorders like obesity and insulin resistance
• Inability to recover from injuries and delayed wound healing

 

Health Benefits of Zinc

1. Reproductive Health

Low serum Zinc levels affects the testosterone levels negatively and lowers sperm count and seminal volume. It acts as anti aromatase by blocking the aromatase enzyme. Aromatase enzyme converts testosterone to estrogen in male and female. Excess estrogen causes Alopecia and Gynecomastia in men. Most importantly excess oestrogen is the reason for various types of cancers and fertility issues in female. Zinc improves sperm motility and count in males and in females prevent excess estrogen production by blocking aromatase enzyme.

2. Intestinal Integrity

Zinc keeps the intestinal barrier intact by preventing leaky gut syndrome. Zinc keeps the cell bonds of small intestine intact. Leaky gut has been related to Autoimmune disorders and Food sensitivities.

3. Immune Support

Higher the zinc levels better is our immunity to deal with infections like common cold, flu and other infection by improving white blood cells count and maintain the intestinal integrity by preventing the microbes from entering into blood through GUT. Zinc gluconate is used as an Anti Diarrhoea agent for kids in syrup form. [Study]

4. Growth and Development

Zinc status has been positive correlated with the skeletal and muscular growth and development in adolescents. The height of children has positive correlation with Zinc status and other micronutrients.

5. Skin Protection

Zinc acts as an anti acne agent in the form of ointment and as oral supplement. Zinc reduces the sebum and prevent the growth the various bacteria on skin acting as anti microbial. Various Burn and wound healing ointments contains Zinc as it speeds up healing process.

Foods Sources of Zinc

• Oysters are the richest source of Zinc with 148 mg/100 g. Each medium size oyster contains nearly 5 mg of zinc.
• Ginger, meats, brazil nuts, egg yolk, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, chicken, tuna, chickpeas, beans contains approximately 2-5 mg/100 gm.