Getting extra zinc in your diet isn't likely to cause weight gain if you are already getting the recommended amount, although some studies have shown beneficial effects on weight gain in people who are zinc deficient.
Our data suggest that zinc supplementation increases body weight in patients undergoing HD and decreases body weight in individuals who are overweight/obese but otherwise healthy, although after normalization for study duration, the association observed in subjects who are overweight/obese disappeared.
Zinc keeps your metabolism going strong.
"Zinc helps metabolize protein, carbs, and fat," says Bontempo. "When you don't have enough, you can experience reduced energy, and sluggishness." You might also have a harder time losing weight.
Adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Intakes of 150–450 mg of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as low copper status, altered iron function and reduced immune function.
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for many of the body's normal functions and systems, including the immune system, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and the senses of taste and smell. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.
Certain nutrient deficiencies can contribute to digestive upset and bloating. The most common nutrient deficiencies that are linked to bloating are zinc, magnesium, molybdenum and thiamin.
Don't take zinc at the same time as iron or calcium supplements. A strong relationship exists between zinc and copper. Too much of one can cause a deficiency in the other. If you take zinc, including zinc in a multivitamin, you should also take copper.
Upon supplementation, it was found that zinc improves BMI, body weight, and triglyceride concentration, which suggests zinc may be an effective therapy for obese individuals.
The reductions of body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference were significantly higher in the zinc group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.032, 0.025, 0.003, and 0.0001, respectively).
Zinc also plays a role in the correct functioning of lipid and glucose metabolism, regulating and forming the expression of insulin.
Zinc. Zinc deficiency can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite and poor immune function. It may also cause changes in taste perception, slow healing, and hair loss. Research in animals suggests that taking zinc supplements may stimulate appetite in people with zinc deficiencies.
In the prostate, zinc is involved in regulating the growth and apoptosis of prostate epithelial cells. The increase in prostatic fluid may contribute to the increase in semen volume.
Vitamin D could also induce zinc transporters to regulate zinc homeostasis. Together, zinc and vitamin D in adequate concentrations help maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system and beyond; however, deficiency in either of these nutrients can result in various disorders affecting almost all body systems.
Zinc is an important nutrient for the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help people with conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and ulcers.
Elevated levels of zinc in drinking water may cause the water to have a milky, chalky, or turbid appearance and a metallic/astringent taste. The symptoms of zinc poisoning include "low blood pressure, urine retention, jaundice, seizures, joint pain, fever, coughing, and a metallic taste in the mouth" (Source).
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), an excessive intake of zinc can cause zinc toxicity. This toxicity can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and, when chronic, may also disrupt the balance of other chemicals in the body, including copper and iron.
An over- or underabundance of zinc can cause shifts in the gut microbiome, and cause diarrhea and inflammation. The only way that people can consume too much zinc is through supplements.
Weight Gain. Zinc is important for controlling your metabolism. Those with zinc deficiencies may notice swings in their weight, or unexplained weight gain. You may also feel sluggish and tired, and have difficulty controlling your weight, despite controlling your diet.
Zinc can rebalance these hormone levels through its antiandrogenic activity which will raise estrogen and progesterone back to baseline.
Zinc regulates women's cycles. Zinc nourishes the ovarian follicles and therefore promotes ovulation. Zinc reduces androgens (testosterone) and raises it.
Zinc is an adaptogen for several key hormones, helping to rebalance inadequate or excess cortisol, estrogen and progesterone in women. Zinc also reduces inflammation, providing support for healthy hormone production.