What are the benefits of Zinc?

What are the benefits of Zinc blog post

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  •  Zinc is important for immune system support, and can be found in many foods such as meat, poultry, shellfish, legumes, and whole grains.
  • There are many different forms of zinc supplements, each with varying levels of absorption

KEY USES:

  • Immune support 
  • Skin health
  • Cognitive function
  • Reproductive health
Most of us are familiar with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and maybe even potassium, but what about zinc? Zinc is a trace mineral, meaning the body only needs it in small amounts, yet it is still essential for more than 300 enzymes to carry out vital biochemical reactions.

What does this small-but-mighty mineral do? And where can it be found? We’ll go over everything you need to know about zinc, including how to find the right zinc supplement for you. 

Zinc Citrate Capsules

Let's Begin:
What does Zinc do in the body?

Zinc is essential for many bodily functions. It is a major player in the creation of DNA, growth of cells, building proteins, and supporting the immune system. 

Because of its role in helping cells to grow and multiply, adequate zinc is important during times of rapid growth, such as childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy

Zinc & the immune system

Zinc plays a significant role in many aspects of the immune system. It helps the growth and function of cells in your innate immune system, including T and B cells, which help your body protect against foreign substances.

Zinc & skin health

Zinc is needed to support skin health.  About 6% of the body’s total zinc content is found in the skin and as zinc cannot be stored, a steady supply from the diet is vital to maintain zinc levels.

Zinc-dependant enzymes (or collagenases) in the skin make collagen – another important structural protein supporting skin strength and elasticity. Healthy skin contributes to immune function as the skin serves as the body’s first line of defence.

In addition, zinc protects cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may contribute to premature aging

Zinc & brain health

Zinc is an important nutrient in brain health and cognition because it supports communication between cells in the brain 

Foods rich in zinc

Thankfully, incorporating zinc in your diet is easy as many foods contain zinc. Meat, poultry, and seafood are the best sources of zinc, but zinc can also be found in some plant foods like legumes and whole grains.

 However, these foods also often contain phytates that can bind to the mineral, lowering its absorption. If you do not get enough zinc through your diet, taking a supplement is an easy and effective way to ensure you’re not missing out on the nutrients you need.

Solgar® Zinc Capsules & tablets

Food-Fermented Zinc, Zinc Citrate, Zinc Picolinate, Chelated Zinc
What's the difference ?

Perhaps you’ve decided to try a zinc supplement, but when you’ve stood in the supplement aisle you’ve realised…there’s so many options!
Indeed, there are many forms of this trace mineral, and it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you.


Let's look at the differences: 

SOLGAR® Koji Fermented Zinc
 Koji Fermented Zinc starts by growing koji culture on cooked rice. As the koji matures and ferments, it is enriched with zinc. Then, it is harvested and processed into powdered Koji Fermented Zinc. This ancient Japanese fermentation method transforms mineral zinc into a bioavailable and food-based form that can be readily utilised by the body.

Solgar® Koji Fermented Zinc provides 25 mg of food fermented zinc that supports immune system health, cognitive function and beautiful skin. Koji Fermented Zinc is readily absorbed and is suitable for vegans. It is both Kosher and Halal certified

SOLGAR® Chelated Zinc
“Chelation” of minerals simply refers to a mineral being organically bonded to an amino acid. These amino acid chelates can help facilitate solubility and optimal absorption, and are gentle on the stomach. Solgar® offers a chelated zinc that is bound to amino acid glycine.

Solgar® Chelated Zinc contributes to healthy skin, can function as an antioxidant, and supports a healthy immune system. The chelated form offers optimal absorption, and is vegan, and gluten-free

SOLGAR® Zinc Picolinate
Zinc picolinate is made when the trace mineral zinc is bound to the organic acid, picolinic acid. Picolinic acid is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan that is naturally made in the body. Zinc picolinate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc.

Solgar® Zinc Picolinate combines 22 mg of zinc with picolinic acid. This formula is also vegan and gluten-free

SOLGAR® Zinc Citrate  
Zinc citrate is another version of zinc, this time derived from citric acid

 Solgar® Zinc Citrate offers 30 mg of zinc per serving, and helps support healthy skin, cell growth and DNA formation, and a healthy immune system. Like chelated zinc and zinc picolinate, it is vegan, and gluten-free.

BONUS: SOLGAR® Zinc Lozenges
Solgar® Flavo-Zinc Zinc Lozenges are a tasty way to get your daily dose of zinc. With a natural lemon-lime flavour, these lozenges offer 23 mg of zinc immune support per serving, and are vegan and gluten-free.

Solgar koji fermented zinc

In Short:

From immune support to skin health, zinc plays an essential role in many bodily functions. Foods such as shellfish, beef, poultry, legumes, and whole grains are excellent sources of zinc.
When choosing a zinc supplement, no matter what form you take it in, don’t miss out on zinc’s many benefits! 

Zinc contributes to normal:

    • acid-base metabolism
    • carbohydrate metabolism 
    • cognitive function
    • DNA synthesis and the process of cell division
    • fertility and reproduction
    • macronutrient metabolism
    • metabolism of fatty acids
    • metabolism of vitamin A 
    • protein synthesis 
    • function of the immune system

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, hair, nails and skin, normal testosterone levels in the blood, maintenance of normal vision & the protection of cells from oxidative stress

shop zinc

Disclaimer: 
Food supplements should not be used instead of a varied balanced diet & healthy lifestyle.
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any food supplements.

For references, click here.

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