Zinc is one of the micronutrients that keep the body functioning at its best. Zinc is involved in many vital processes, which we will discuss in the article below.
Functions of Zinc in the Body
Role of zinc in normal body function is much broader than was thought 50 years ago. Today, it is found in micro- and even nanoquantities in hormone molecules, cell walls and organelles with the help of radionuclide research methods. Zinc activates a number of enzymes, metabolism, and even neuronal excitation.
Main, scientifically proven, functions of this metal include the following:
- Important role in the maturation of sperm and eggs
- Zinc participates in the activation and metabolism of vitamin E (tocopherol)
- Zinc prevents the development of inflammation and tumor processes in the prostate
- Without zinc hormone synthesis is impossible – insulin – pancreatic hormone, somatostatin or “growth hormone”, as well as testosterone
- Zinc helps prevent the negative effects of alcohol on cells in the brain and liver because it is part of the enzyme that breaks down ethyl alcohol – alcohol dehydrogenase.
It is important to note the detoxifying function of zinc. It, together with blood proteins – albumin, forms an active molecule capable of firmly binding foreign proteins poisoning the body and expelling them out.
Symptoms of Zinc deficiency
- Zinc deficiency has a negative impact on the work of almost all human organs. A prolonged deficiency of this metal causes serious disorders in various organ systems. What happens in the human body when there is a zinc deficiency?
- First of all, the nervous system suffers. A person becomes irritable, sleep is disturbed, the so-called lability (changeability) of mood arises – when every half an hour of excessive empathy and love for others sharply turns into a desire to close up in a room and not see anyone and vice versa.
- Perception organs suffer, sharpness of vision and sense of smell is gradually lost. Distortion of taste is particularly pronounced, and with prolonged zinc deficiency may even taste perversions. For example, the cause of the desire arising in people to eat chalk, and sometimes even lick the walls may be not only a lack of calcium, but also of zinc.
- As a consequence of zinc deficiency, toxins accumulate in the body slowly, in direct proportion to the reduction of the trace element’s reserves. This leads to fatigue and subfebrile (37-37.4 ° C) temperature at night.
- Symptoms of type 2 and then type 1 diabetes arise. A person drinks a lot of water, always feels hunger, and daily diuresis (urine output) exceeds 2 liters.
- In addition to inhibition of insulin production, the synthesis of other hormones, primarily “male” hormones is affected. As a consequence, men and women who, by the way, also have testosterone in sufficient quantities may have conditions similar to depression.
- Lack of zinc during puberty (the period of puberty) leads to slower growth and development of secondary sexual characteristics – male and female hairiness, voice changes, breast growth, etc.
- Allergic diseases begin. In this case, reactions can occur to familiar, for years around the person, substances. If suddenly a pet, a cat or a dog, or more precisely – their hair, become a strong allergen, it is worth to immediately take tests.
- With a lack of zinc strikes the eye changed the color of the skin, which acquires a grayish hue. In addition, hair loss increases, up to the appearance of clinical alopecia – alopecia.
Zinc plays an important role in the body’s fight against viral infections, especially the herpes virus. Zinc also helps to get rid of helminths and other parasites, in particular, is part of many antimalarials. The role of zinc deficiency in the occurrence of atherosclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver and sexual dysfunction of varying degrees has been proven.
Role of Zinc in Men’s Health
Renowned magazine Men’s Health awarded zinc the title of “a key micronutrient for male sexual health. Zinc, along with vitamin E, has been shown to play a role not only in the development of germ cells, but also in the production of erections.
Main role of zinc for the stronger sex is determined by the relationship between this trace element and the level of the “male” hormone – testosterone. Testosterone deficiency, the negative effect of increased glucose levels on the blood vessels of the penis, and the formation of microbubbles are all the result of zinc deficiency.
Problem of erectile dysfunction is compounded by psychological complexes, which often make adult, successful men turn into complexed boys. Some men even try to look for a solution to the problem in alcohol, which makes the situation even worse. After all, then all the zinc reserves go to protect the brain and liver from the harmful effects of alcohol.
Issue of zinc is particularly relevant for men in their 40+ years. That fourth decade is the threshold, after which the body begins to lose more than absorb and accumulate, both zinc and other trace elements. Therefore, to maintain their normal balance, it is important not only to eat right and lead a healthy lifestyle, but also from time to time to “replenish” reserves, with what perfectly cope bio-supplements.
Role of Zinc in Women’s health
As with men, women go through a period of severe zinc deficiency as they age. This period peaks during menopausal transition. According to clinical studies, taking zinc at the normal daily rate eases the transition.
Zinc alleviates the unpleasant manifestations of menopause such as:
- Flushes;
- Mood swings;
- Weight gain;
- Skin problems;
- Excessive hair loss;
- Bouts of anger.
A 10-week course of Zinc helps most women get rid of the clinical symptoms of menopause completely. After menopause, women’s need for zinc increases. This is due to a greater tendency, compared to men, to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It has already been proven that taking calcium and zinc (not at the same time, but for example, in the morning – zinc, in the evening – calcium) is a means of preventing osteoporosis in women.
It is also important for young guys and girls to get enough zinc to prevent age-related acne.
What foods have Zinc in them?
Many foods are rich in zinc. But the fact is that, of any zinc ingested with food, only about 20%, at best 30%, will be absorbed by the body.
Zinc is found in fairly large quantities in foods such as:
- Seafood;
- Meat;
- Sunflower and pumpkin seeds;
- Sprouted wheat;
- Cocoa;
- Eggs;
- Walnuts;
- Oysters – they are a record breaker and contain 200-500 mg of zinc per 100 grams, depending on growing conditions.
Even the frequent use of the above foods in the diet does not cover the need for zinc that increases during intense physical and psycho-emotional exertion. Moreover, such a zinc “diet” can lead to a number of diseases of the cardiovascular and excretory systems, as well as to alimentary (related to excessive food intake) obesity.
Useful Zinc Compounds
There are many zinc salts, each with a different bioavailability, that is, a different percentage of zinc absorbed and getting to the right place (such as the skin) in the body.
In addition, some salts have a number of minor side effects and are generally cheaper than others.
There are many zinc compounds used as dietary supplements. The best absorbed are the following:
- Zinc picolinate (61%);
- Zinc citrate (61%);
- Zinc acetate (60.9%);
- Zinc glycerate (60.9%);
- Zinc monomethionine (58%).
Zinc oxide and zinc sulfide are the most poorly absorbed (48%). The percentage of digestibility of each salt is given as an average, since everything depends individually on the need for zinc in each individual organism, on the condition of the gastrointestinal mucosa. In addition, the percentage of absorbability of zinc salts correlates with the use of the metal in combination with or without other additives.
Some salts are also useful, but have a number of occasional side effects in the form of stomach and intestinal irritation, nausea and vomiting, namely zinc oxide and zinc sulfide.
Daily rate, course, and peculiarities of Zinc intake
Average rates of zinc consumption:
Daily norm of zinc – 10-20 mg per day
Maximum daily dose of zinc: 30 mg per day
During increased physical activity, it is recommended to take a dose of zinc close to the maximum daily dose. But not more than five times a month.
A course of zinc supplementation lasts, on average, 20 to 40 days. When taking zinc supplements for more than 30 days, it is necessary to increase the blood intake of magnesium and copper, because prolonged intake of zinc leads to impaired absorption of these metals. For every 15 mg of zinc, there should be 2 mg of copper and 450 mg of magnesium.
In pregnancy, lactation, diabetes, and rheumatic diseases, zinc is indicated, but the dose should be adjusted by the doctor.
By interacting with most antibiotics, zinc reduces their absorption from the intestine. To solve this problem, it is worth separating the supplement and the antibiotic with a one-hour time interval.
It is also not recommended that zinc be taken with coffee and tea, since the tannin they contain forms a film, through which zinc is not absorbed into the bloodstream. And when taken with iron, zinc absorption will fall to a minimum.
Supplements with vitamins A, C, B2, and B6, on the contrary, potentiate the absorption of each other.
Conclusions
Taking several courses of zinc supplements a year will help maintain proper levels of the trace element in the body and create its depot. A zinc supplement will also correct any problems associated with zinc deficiency, from problem skin to improved memory, attention, and vision.
Regardless of gender, it is especially relevant to use zinc at the age of 40, when age-related changes begin to occur. At the same time, zinc will help regulate metabolism and prevent the development of erectile dysfunction in men and mitigate the transitional period of menopause in women.
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