Zinc

What is Zinc?

Zinc is a mineral called an essential trace element because very small amounts of zinc are necessary for human health. Since the human body does not store a large amount of zinc, this mineral should be consumed regularly as part of the diet.
Common dietary sources of zinc include red meat, poultry, and fish. Zinc deficiency can be the cause of short stature, decreased ability to taste the food, and poor functioning of the testicles and ovaries.

 

Zinc is used for the treatment and prevention of zinc deficiency and its consequences, which include growth retardation and acute diarrhoea in children, slow wound healing, and Wilson’s disease. Zinc is used to treat many conditions. There is good scientific evidence to support its use for treating these conditions. Although in most cases, there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

Keep in mind that many products also contain another metal called cadmium. This occurs because zinc and cadmium are chemically similar and are often found together in nature. Exposure to high levels of cadmium for a long time can lead to kidney failure. The cadmium concentration in zinc-containing supplements can vary as many as 37 times. Look for zinc gluconate products. Zinc gluconate invariably contains the lowest cadmium concentration.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Although zinc may be beneficial for treating the common cold and other respiratory tract infections, there is no good scientific evidence to support its use for treating COVID-19. Follow a healthy lifestyle and approved prevention methods.

When to take Zinc?

Zinc supplements are the most effective if taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after
meals. However, if zinc supplements cause an upset stomach, they can be taken with meals. You must inform your healthcare professional if you are taking your zinc supplement with meals.

How much Zinc per day?

The daily amount of zinc you need depends on your age. The average daily amounts of zinc, expressed in milligrams (mg), that are recommended for people of different ages are as follows:
Life stage Recommended amount:

• Babies up to 6 months of age 2 mg
• Babies 7 to 12 months of age 3 mg
• Children 1 to 3 years of age 3 mg
• Children 4 to 8 years of age 5 mg
• Children 9 to 13 years of age 8 mg
• Adolescents (males) 14 to 18 years of age 11 mg
• Adolescents (girls) 14 to 18 years of age 9 mg
• Adults (men) 11 mg
• Adults (women) 8 mg
• Pregnant teens 12 mg
• Pregnant women 11 mg
• Lactating adolescents 13 mg
• Lactating women 12 mg

Zinc benefits

Boosts the immune system

Zinc is necessary for immune cells to function properly, which means that a zinc deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system. Nevertheless, such a connection with your immunity goes both ways. Zinc supplements can improve immunity (Haase, 2009) and immune response, as well as alleviate chronic inflammation in older adults.

May support fertility

In animal studies, it has also been found that zinc deficiency before conception can be dangerous (Tian, 2014) and cause delayed fetal development or even pregnancy loss. Zinc plays a critical role in egg development, but even the months before early pregnancy can pave the way for an overall healthy pregnancy when it comes to this micronutrient. More
research is needed to see if these findings hold in humans.

Promotes wound healing

The same functions of zinc, which boost your immune system also contribute to wound healing, relieving inflammation, and boosting immunity. Zinc can also promote collagen synthesis, and all of these effects are essential for proper healing.

Reduces inflammation

Some inflammations are not related to injury or stress, but our DNA. We have genes responsible for inflammation, but some things can “turn off” these genes, or change the way they are expressed. Zinc is one of those modulators. This mineral acts (Prasad, 2014) as a molecular signal for immune cells and can decrease certain proteins involved in inflammation, which gives it its anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Zinc side effects

Zinc limits the absorption of copper; copper deficiency can lead to anaemia, lower HDL good
cholesterol levels or heart arrhythmias. Copper intake should be increased if zinc supplement use continues for more than a few days (except in people with Wilson’s disease).

Consuming more than 300 mg of zinc a day reduces immune function. These supplements can cause stomach pain, nausea, mouth irritation, and a bad taste in your mouth. In topical form, zinc has no known side effects when used as advised. Always follow instructions written on your supplement and consult a doctor if you are in doubt.

Remember to visit your doctor immediately if any side effects appear.

Best Zinc supplements

If you want to buy the best zinc supplements you’re in the right place, at FitCookie we have the best products that’ll help you to reach your goals.
Some of the best products are:

• Deep Sleep 75Caps – Lab One
• Sleep-er 225g Tropical Orange – Trec Nutrition
• SWANSON – Premium Zinc Gluconate 30mg 250 tab
• Zinc 50mg 100 Tablets
• ZINC 120 TABLETS

With us, you’ll find the best quality and prices.
Trust us as many people have!

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