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The Health Benefits of Zinc

From skin complexion and hormone balance to mood regulation, metabolism and immunity, the health benefits of zinc are far-reaching. A lack of zinc can make a person more susceptible to disease and illness. What’s more, body growth and development relies on zinc because of its role in cell growth and division.

It is responsible for a number of functions in the human body, and it helps stimulate the activity of over 200 different enzymes. It’s an often-underrated champion of trace minerals — and one you may be at a higher risk of not getting enough of.

Zinc is a vital mineral and one that your body uses in countless ways. In fact, zinc is the second-most-abundant trace mineral in your body — after iron — and is present in every cell.

Zinc is considered a trace mineral, or “micromineral.” While we only need tiny amounts of it (relative to some other minerals), those small amounts pack a big punch and are critical if we want our bodies to function well.

Currently, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc in the United States is 8 milligrams (mg) a day for women and 11 mg a day for men. The element is naturally found in many different foods, but it is also available as a dietary supplement. Learn why physicians recommend that this micromineral be at the top of your priority list to consume, as well as how to optimize your levels.

Low Zinc: Who’s Most at Risk?

If you’re not getting enough zinc, you may experience a wide variety of symptoms. Some of these include:

Skin issues, including acne, eczema, and psoriasisLow appetiteDiarrheaPatchy hair loss
Recurrent infections and coldsMental health issuesBlood sugar issuesPoor vision, taste, and smell
Low testosteronePoor wound healingWeakened bonesPMS

Many who are at the highest risk of a zinc deficiency have no idea. Those who may be at great risk include:

  • Chronic dieters, or those who restrict calories
  • Heavy sweaters, due to the increased loss that occurs
  • Those who consume alcohol regularly, since it depletes zinc
  • People taking proton pump inhibitors for reflux, such as Nexium, Prilosec, or Prevacid
  • Anyone following a vegetarian or vegan nutrition plan, since zinc needs are higher and phytates in beans, grains, nuts, and seeds can limit zinc absorption
  • Those who eat a lot of processed foods and cereals containing corn and rice
  • Smokers, due to cadmium exposure
  • Individual with high copper levels, such as those on birth control or hormone replacement therapy, or those with copper water pipes in their home
  • Anyone with a digestive disorder, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or leaky gut
  • The elderly, due to both lower intake and absorption
  • Individuals with sickle cell anemia
  • Individuals with chronic kidney disease
  • Pregnant and postpartum women, whose needs might be two-fold higher. Low zinc is tied to both gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure in pregnancy).

Zinc Daily Needs and Dosage

General doses may not apply to you personally. If your doctor suggests supplementing with zinc, work with them to find the optimal dosage according to your health condition and other factors.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc (according to the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies) [12]:

AgeMaleFemalePregnancyLactation
0–6 months2 mg*2 mg*
7–12 months3 mg3 mg
1–3 years3 mg3 mg
4–8 years5 mg5 mg
9–13 years8 mg8 mg
14–18 years11 mg9 mg12 mg13 mg
19+ years11 mg8 mg11 mg12 mg

Optimal zinc dosage may vary based on the individual. As a general rule, 15 mg a day is considered a preventative dosage, while higher doses up to 30 mg may be needed to correct a deficiency.

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), the highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects for almost all individuals, for adults is 40 mg/day.

9 Health Benefits of Zinc

1. Immune Health

Zinc is involved in both our innate and adaptive immune responses. This means it supports our first-line defenses, as well as our body’s response to specific pathogens, bacteria, and viruses.

Studies have shown that zinc can lower the incidence of infections, and when taken during a cold, it can reduce the duration of symptoms including nasal congestion or a sore throat.

2. Testosterone and Reproductive Health

In men, zinc is important for the function of the testes and the production of hormones — even mild deficiencies can drop testosterone levels. Optimizing zinc can also help with sperm count and male fertility.

Small studies show that when sedentary men start exercising, supplementing with zinc can counteract the initial drops in testosterone and thyroid function that can occur.

Don’t let this preliminary decrease scare you off from starting an exercise program, though: A regular fitness regimen that includes strength training can benefit your health and testosterone levels. It is, however, all the more reason to consider taking a high-quality multivitamin (one that includes zinc), especially when you’re active.

3. Female Hormone Balance

Monthly PMS, cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings might be common, but they’re not normal. Zinc supplementation could be one part of a nutrition and lifestyle plan to support healthier hormone balance and less discomfort.

It’s speculated that zinc has a role in regulating the inflammatory compounds associated with cramps and could have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes in the uterus. One study showed that just three months of regular zinc supplementation could help decrease both physical and psychological PMS symptoms.

4. Lean Muscle

Building and maintaining muscle mass is a key factor in strength, longevity, and blood sugar control. And for those who have a goal to look or feel toned, lean muscle is the key.

Part of the process of building lean muscle includes stimulating a growth hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1. In one study, 30 mg of zinc per day was taken in combination with whey protein (full of essential amino acids) for four weeks, IGF-1 rose. The hormone did also rise in those who were taking only whey protein (without added zinc), but the rise in IGF-1 was faster in the group who also supplemented with zinc.

We always support diets that include a balanced intake of calories and mindfulness around “macros” (or macronutrients, including protein, fat, and carbohydrates). However, you need “micros” (or micronutrients, meaning vitamins and minerals, including zinc) for your “macros” to best work.

5. Bone Health

Aging and conditions such as declines in estrogen (which can happen post-menopause), fractures, and diabetes can all threaten bone health. Zinc plays a key role in bone formation and mineralization, meaning it can provide a restorative effect on bone when it’s needed most.

6. Brain Health and Mood

Several parts of the brain, such as the cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, have nerve cells that depend on zinc. And considering their role in memory, cognition, and mood, it’s critical that zinc levels are adequate.

In animal studies, we’ve seen low zinc status cause depression that is then alleviated with zinc repletion. In a human study of overweight adults with depression, 30 mg of zinc supplementation showed to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in cognition and emotional health. In yet another human study, zinc in combination with a multivitamin helped reduce anger and depression. Zinc has also shown to have positive implications in those who struggle with OCD.

7. Combats Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is when the body’s antioxidant system does not keep up with the production of oxidants, or reactive oxygen species (ROS). While the production of ROS is expected as a product of normal day-to-day functioning and exercise, the balance is thrown off with poor lifestyle choices.

Oxidative stress is tied to most chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, and is implicated in certain cancers, as well as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and rheumatoid arthritis. Excess oxidative stress can also accelerate aging.

Zinc has several antioxidant effects. Supplementation can decrease markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, such a C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.

In athletes, where oxidative stress can come from frequent and intense training, zinc has been shown to support levels of glutathione (a powerful antioxidant), activate the antioxidant system, and prevent the negative impact of excess free radicals.

8. Eye Health

Our eye tissue is susceptible to oxidative stress and age-related diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Since our eye tissues (especially the retina) have a high concentration of zinc, a deficiency can contribute to progression in chronic eye diseases.

Together with omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin A and vitamin E), vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and lutein, zinc can support healthy eye function.

9. Skin

After muscle and bone, our skin ranks as one of the most zinc-abundant tissues in the body. For those who struggle with chronic skin issues, zinc could play a promising role in the overall treatment plan.

Studies have shown that after six weeks of zinc repletion, the number of acne lesions decreases. And after 90 days of supplementing with 30 mg of zinc, 30 percent of people reported a significant reduction in acne.

Lower zinc levels have also been observed in those who struggle with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as compared to those who do not.

How to Optimize Zinc Levels

Mindful nutrition choices can be pivotal in optimization of zinc status. Supplementation can have its place as well, however, it’s important not to over-supplement on high doses of isolated zinc — unless you’re under medical supervision. Your best starting point is a balanced diet rich in food sources of zinc, plus the addition of a high-quality multivitamin.

Food Sources of Zinc

Your zinc status depends on both your intake and your ability to absorb it. Despite its concentration in tissues, zinc is not stored by the body and needs to be ingested daily.

Zinc is more bioavailable (or absorbable) from animal sources than plant sources, likely due to the phytate content in plants which can inhibit absorption. If you’re relying on plant sources of zinc such as beans, nuts, seeds, and grains, soak them in water before cooking and eating them — this helps reduce the phytate content.

Here are some common food sources of zinc:

FoodAmountMilligrams of Zinc
Oysters325 mg
Beef chuck roast3 oz.7 mg
Crab3 oz.4.7 mg
Dark turkey meat3 oz.3.8 mg
Lobster3 oz.3.4 mg
Pork3 oz.2.2 mg
Dark meat chicken3 oz.1.8 mg
Cashews1 oz.1.6 mg
Chickpeas1/2 cup1.3 mg
Pumpkin seeds1 oz.2.2 mg
Almonds1 oz.0.9 mg
Baked beans1/2 cup0.9 mg

Zinc Supplements

In addition to the phytates often found in plant foods, high amounts of calcium and iron (over 800 mg or so) and low levels of stomach acid can also decrease zinc absorption. Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, take any isolated calcium and iron supplements at a different time of day than zinc, and consider using digestive enzymes at mealtime to support healthy levels of stomach acid.

On the other hand, pairing zinc with protein (except for casein, a milk protein sometimes taken as a powdered supplement) has been shown to support zinc absorption.

There are various forms of supplemental zinc, and the label usually reports the amount of elemental zinc, or the amount used by the body. To support the rate and amount of absorption, you might want to consider a form that is either chelated or bound to picolinic acid, such as zinc picolinate. Chelated minerals are wrapped in amino acids, and the best ones often show up on the label as a “bisglycinate.”

Starting with a high-quality multivitamin is probably your best bet before jumping to an isolated zinc supplement. Too much zinc supplementation can cause some digestive upset, and prolonged supplementation of too high of a dose can cause a copper deficiency.

Pure Encapsulation’s suite of multivitamins containing a range of 7.5 – 1,000 milligrams of zinc picolinate in a bisglyinate chelate form: Women’s Pure Pack, Women’s Nutrients, and Nutrient 950 Multi-Vitamin w/NAC. For those who require additional zinc based on lab testing or medical needs, an isolated zinc picolinate is also available in 30-milligram capsules.

As you can see from its many benefits, we consider zinc to be a non-negotiable nutrient to achieve and maintain your health — and unfortunately, there are a lot of potential conditions that can threaten optimal levels.

Be sure you’re paying attention to the foods you’re choosing daily, what you’re pairing them with, and the overall function of your digestive health. Check any supplements you’re taking to make sure the amount of zinc — and the form you’re using — are appropriate for you. Working with your doctor and with a nutrition professional can help you customize your plan so it suits your particular needs.

Zinc might be a micromineral in terms of how much we need, but it has a mighty impact.

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