Zinc Benefits And How Does It Work?

Zinc is a nutrient that supports growth in childhood and the immune system. Low zinc levels can increase a person’s risk of disease and illness. Zinc supports many activities in the human body. In addition to supporting the immune system, it enables the body to make proteins and DNA, contributes to wound healing, and contributes to the growth and development of childhood. It also has antioxidant properties. Zinc occurs naturally in many foods such as beans, meat, and fish. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

Zinc Benefits For Health

Immune function

Zinc is needed for the body’s immune system to function properly. Low levels of zinc can increase the risk of infections such as pneumonia.

Treatment of diarrhea

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends supplying zinc to children with diarrhea. There is evidence that it can reduce the risk of diarrhea, especially in those who do not have a nutritious diet.

Wound healing

Zinc plays a role in maintaining healthy skin. Zinc levels are often low in people with long-term wounds or ulcers. Healthcare professionals may recommend providing zinc for people with persistent wounds.

The 2018 study notes that it plays a key role in every stage of wound healing, from skin repair to infection prevention. The authors call for more studies to identify precisely how zinc works in wound healing. They say it could lead to new treatments for wound healing.

Chronic disease

Zinc has antioxidant properties. As such, it can help reduce oxidative stress. Scientists believe that there is a link between oxidative stress and chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and other aspects of metabolic syndrome.

A 2018 study found that zinc may help prevent metabolic syndrome. They suggest further studies to identify how zinc will affect health and whether supplements may be effective as therapy.

Age-related macular degeneration

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), zinc prevents cell damage in the retina and helps delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. However, erosion is unlikely to be prevented.

The authors of the 2020 study found that zinc deficiency may have contributed to this decline. They called for further studies and suggested that zinc could contribute to new treatment modalities. Overall, some research suggests that supplements may help but the evidence is not conclusive.

Sexual health

Low zinc levels can lead to sexual development, fertility problems, and other sexual health problems in men. The authors of the 2018 study describe zinc as essential for male sexual health. Causes may include the role of zinc as an antioxidant and hormone balancer.

Zinc deficiency, however, can have a negative effect, but too much zinc can lead to toxicity that can be harmful to sperm. Anyone considering zinc supplements should talk to their doctor to support their sexual health. There is some evidence that zinc can help treat some skin diseases, as it plays a role in wound healing.

Research suggests that zinc may help treat:

• Acne vulgaris
• Hydradenitis saputiva
• Atopic dermatitis
• Diaper dermatitis

Osteoporosis

Zinc plays a vital role in bone formation and health and may help prevent osteoporosis, according to 2020 research. However, it is not yet clear whether zinc supplements can prevent or treat this condition, and further research is needed.

Read Also: 15 Incredible Zinc Rich Foods Needs Your Health

Nervous symptoms

A small study from 2020 concluded that there may be a link between low zinc levels and nervous symptoms. The researchers looked at 63 people who had headaches, tingling, and peripheral neuropathy, as well as zinc and other micronutrient deficiencies.

After treatment for these deficiencies, participants reported an improvement in their nervous symptoms. However, researchers have acknowledged the need for more research.

Common cold

A review of a 2011 study found that zinc lozenges can help reduce the duration of a common cold, but only with a daily dose of 75 mg (mg).

Overall, studies looking at the use of zinc for colds have been poor. There is no reliable evidence that zinc intake prevents colds.

Also, the NIH warns that zinc can affect the sense of smell. Talk to your doctor before using zinc in nasal sprays or gels, as the damage may be long-term or permanent.

Learning and memory

Some research in rats suggests that zinc may enhance cognitive function. In a 2017 study, the supplements that zinc found performed better in tasks involving thinking and memory.

How does it work?

Zinc is needed for the proper growth and maintenance of the human body. It is found in several systems and biological reactions and it is needed for immunity, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and much more. Meat, seafood, dairy products, nuts, fruits, and whole grains provide relatively high levels of zinc.

Zinc deficiency is not uncommon worldwide, but it is rare in the United States. Symptoms include gradual increase, low insulin levels, loss of appetite, itchy, itchy hair, rough and dry skin, gradual healing of wounds, poor sense of taste and smell, diarrhea, and nausea. Moderate zinc deficiency is associated with intestinal disorders that interfere with food absorption (malabsorption syndrome), alcoholism, chronic kidney failure, and chronic degenerative diseases.

Zinc plays a key role in protecting vision and it is present in the eyes with high concentration. Zinc deficiency can change vision, and severe deficiency can change the retina (where an image focuses behind the eyes)

Zinc can also affect viruses. It has been shown to reduce the symptoms of rhinovirus (common cold), but researchers still can’t explain exactly how it works. Also, there is some evidence that zinc has some antiviral activity against the herpes virus.

Low zinc levels can be linked to male infertility, sickle cell disease, HIV, major depression, and type 2 diabetes, and can be fought by taking zinc supplements.

FAQ