Zinc Supplements

About Zinc Supplements

The mineral Zinc was discovered to be essential to plant health nearly 100 years before it was found to be required for humans. This mineral offers a range of crucial benefits for the human body, impacting hormonal balance, the immune response, tissue healing, growth and development.

Zinc is commonly used as a supplement throughout the winter months of the year to support immune cell synthesis and activity. The scientific evidence clearly indicates protection against viruses when a high quality supplement is used, particularly when an ionophore is used to boost cellular uptake. There are many pharmaceutical ionophores that can increase zinc uptake by the cell, as well as natural ones, including Quercetin and EGCG (Green Tea). This antiviral effect of zinc is both direct, by slowing viral replication, and indirect by enhancing antiviral immune responses.

Around one-quarter of the population in developing nations are zinc deficient. In Australia, low serum zinc levels have been detected in 15% of men and 7% of women. Groups particularly at risk of low zinc levels are elderly men, diabetics, toddlers and Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal Australians. There is quite a difference between a frank zinc deficiency, an insufficiency and an optimal level. A serum zinc level above that required for a diagnosis of a zinc deficiency does not necessarily mean that the individual has enough of this essential mineral, as cellular stores may be depleted.

Zinc has an indirect antioxidant effect in the body, supporting an antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase. It is therefore essential in “fighting off” free radicals and maintaining cellular health. Zinc is exceptional for the healing of wounds and for preventing active stretch marks (recent purple-coloured ones) from becoming permanent. This is due to the fact that zinc is an essential cofactor for proteins that are involved in collagen synthesis.

Zinc is also required for hormone synthesis, including testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen. Low zinc levels have been associated with low testosterone in young and otherwise healthy men. In addition, zinc has been shown to be helpful for the treatment of diarrhoea. Some of the best dietary sources include pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sesame seeds, cocoa and the well-known aphrodisiac oysters. Zinc supplements are an effective way to restore levels back to normal quickly, in the case of deficiency or insufficiency, or for use for a specific biological effect.