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.
The benefits of zinc for women include supporting ovulation and normal hormone function. It is also required for cell division and DNA reproduction, meaning that, as well as supporting fertility, zinc could have benefits for health throughout pregnancy.
Recommended Amounts. RDA: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 19+ years is 11 mg a day for men and 8 mg for women. Pregnancy and lactation requires slightly more at 11 mg and 12 mg, respectively.
Zinc supports a number of functions in the human body. As well as supporting the immune system, it enables the body to make proteins and DNA, contributes to wound healing, and plays a role in childhood growth and development. It also has antioxidant properties.
Weight Loss: The Bottom Line
Getting enough zinc in your diet may have a beneficial effect on weight loss if you're overweight or obese. Having said that, zinc does not work that simply. The majority of your weight loss results would stem from making changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Your body uses zinc to do the following: Heal wounds. Support the function of your immune system. Develop your reproductive system.
Reduces skin inflammation: Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and, when used topically, can help reduce inflammation caused by chronic skin diseases (like eczema, rosacea, and acne), according to Jordan Harper MSN, NP-C Founder and CEO of Barefaced.
Zinc is also an essential nutrient for hair growth, and a severe zinc deficiency could lead to hair loss.
Immunosuppressant medications -- Since zinc may make the immune system stronger, it should not be taken with corticosteroids (such a prednisone), cyclosporine, or other medications intended to suppress the immune system.
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.
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.
Can zinc be harmful? Yes, too much zinc can be harmful. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you take too much zinc for a long time, you could have problems such as lower immunity, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and low copper levels.
Magnesium and Zinc are both essential nutrients for health. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, nerve, heart, and bone health. Zinc is vital for normal growth and development, and supports the body's natural immune defense system. Taking a Magnesium and Zinc supplement together can support well-being.
It often takes 12 weeks before any improvement is seen. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency. Supplementation with brings about complete remission in hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica.
Consumption of Zinc helps to have less wake-ups in the night. It is an excellent & safe sleep aid; and also has a calming & antidepressant effect. Along with helping to regulate sleep, Zinc has shown to improve the vividness of dreams.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
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.
Then there's the anti-aging benefits: zinc is known to encourage the production of collagen fibers and elastin, which can firm skin and boost healing. “Both help support the underlying structure of the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging,” explains Cleeve.
Zinc is a powerful mineral in the fight against acne. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin healing properties can be a great support to your acne-fighting regimen. Zinc helps but does not completely cure your acne.
Zinc is an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agent: Its Role in Human Health.
Epidermal, gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems are the organs most affected clinically by zinc deficiency. Clinical diagnosis of marginal Zn deficiency in humans remains problematic.
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.
It heals your gut.
As long as you don't overdo it with zinc supplementation, zinc is known as a soothing mineral for the digestive system. It helps repair the cells that line your intestinal tract, keeping them strong and tip-top shape so they can properly absorb nutrients.