Zinc: Uncovering the Multifaceted Benefits of This Essential Mineral
Zinc is the second-most abundant mineral in your body and is essential to every cell. It is necessary for the activity of over 300 enzymes that aid in metabolism, digestion, and nerve function, among others. Zinc is also required for numerous processes in the body, including gene expression, immune function, protein and DNA synthesis, wound healing, and growth and development.[1]
Perhaps Zinc is most well-known for its ability to boost the immune system. Zinc acts as a gatekeeper for immune function by regulating the signal between the body’s immune tolerance and defense systems, i.e., when to fight infection and when to back down. Zinc is also a potent antiviral helper that modulates cell-mediated immunity, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and protects against chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Finally, it is essential to making T cells and boosts T and Natural Killer cell activity.[2]
But zinc isn’t just for the immune system. It plays a key role in supporting testosterone production and fertility. Zinc affects thyroid function by helping produce thyroid-releasing hormones, which sets off a chain reaction that ends with producing thyroid hormones. When the thyroid produces hormones correctly, it stimulates the hypothalamus, which then produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone signals the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone (LH), which then signals the testes to produce testosterone. However, if the thyroid hormone production is poor (hypothyroidism), this system can lead to low levels of testosterone. Without enough zinc, the system cannot produce testosterone properly, affecting fertility, sex drive, and long-term health.[3]
Studies suggest zinc can also help treat acne by reducing inflammation, inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria, and suppressing oil gland activity.[4] Zinc is also involved in every step of wound healing, from repairing cell membranes to tissue generation, collagen synthesis, inflammatory response modulation, and scar formation.[5] Further research suggests that zinc can help keep blood sugar steady and improve insulin sensitivity.[6]
Food sources of zinc include shellfish; meat and poultry; nuts, seeds, and legumes; eggs and dairy products; and mushrooms, kale, and asparagus. However, zinc is hard for most people to get from food, and the body doesn’t store it, so you need to replenish it daily. Zinc deficiency is hard to detect using lab tests due to your body’s tight control over serum zinc levels. Symptoms of mild zinc deficiency include diarrhea, decreased immunity, thinning hair, impaired taste or smell, dry skin, fertility issues, and impaired wound healing.
On the other hand, taking too much zinc can cause deficiencies in other nutrients like copper and iron. Copper is used in energy production and supports bone, skin, neurological, and cardiovascular health. Copper deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, neurological problems, and anemia. Meanwhile, zinc and copper bind in the body to form a powerful antioxidant called copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. To ensure a proper balance between zinc and copper, you can take 1-2mg of copper with your zinc supplement.
THRIVE contains 15mg of a highly bioavailable form of zinc, called zinc picolinate, to help your body function at peak capacity.
Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a physician before taking any supplement. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7749260/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5748737/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010824/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29193602/