Zinc

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral, a metal that is necessary for a wide array of biological functions in the body. In fact, more than 300 different enzymes require zinc to function optimally. Zinc can be found in every cell in the body, with the highest concentrations in white and red blood cells, eyes, skin, liver, pancreas and bones. Because zinc is used in various metabolic processes critical for human survival, it needs to be replenished often.

Benefits of Zinc

Among the extensive benefits of zinc in the body, the following are the most important:

Boosts Sex Drive and Improves Sexual Function

Studies have linked zinc deficiency to low testosterone levels and vaginal dryness, which affect sex drive and sexual function.^[1-2] Therefore, maintaining a healthy level of zinc can help boost your sexual vitality as well as self-confidence.

Prevents Heart Disease and Related Deaths

Zinc levels may be of great value in predicting the incidence of heart disease and sudden death. The fact that it has an important role in states of heart diseases and increased risk of deaths has been studied and described by several research groups. Researchers found out that zinc appears to have protective effects in various heart diseases by regulating the   redox signaling pathway.^[3] Dysregulation in this pathway can lead to the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In another study, 6 months of zinc supplementation in elderly subjects significantly reduced the levels of disease-causing inflammatory substances.^[4]

Helps Drive Away Pimples and Acne

In a Swedish dermatological study, doctors found that oral supplementation with zinc sulfate for 12 weeks decreased the severity of acne lesions from 100% to 15%.^[5]    

Boosts Immune Function

The human body needs zinc to activate T lymphocytes (T cells) of the immune system, which destroy virus-infected cells and tumor cells.^[6] In addition, clinical trial data support the therapeutic value of zinc in effectively reducing the duration and severity of common cold symptoms when administered within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.^[7]

Wards off Depression

Clinically, blood level of zinc is lower in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).^[8] In one study, zinc supplementation in patients with major depression significantly reduced depressive symptoms as evidenced by good scores in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).^[9]    

Prevents Cancer

A large body of evidence suggests that a significant percentage of deaths related to cancer could be avoided through adequate nutrition, particularly, consumption of zinc-rich foods and supplements. Dietary deficiencies in zinc are known to contribute to DNA breakdown, increasing one’s risk for cancer development.^[10] 

Prevents Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a degenerative disorder of the central part of the retina and is the common cause of vision loss in the elderly. In one study, high dietary intake of zinc in older patients was associated with a substantially reduced risk of AMD.^[11]

References:

1. Prasad AS, Mantzoros CS, Beck FW, Hess JW, Brewer GJ. Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition. 1996;12(5):344-8.
2. Read J. Sexual problems associated with infertility, pregnancy, and ageing. BMJ : British Medical Journal. 1999;318(7183):587-589.
3. Little PJ, Bhattacharya R, Moreyra AE, Korichneva IL. Zinc and cardiovascular disease. Nutrition. 2010;26(11-12):1050-7.
4. Bao B, Prasad AS, Beck FW, et al. Zinc decreases C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines in elderly subjects: a potential implication of zinc as an atheroprotective agent. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(6):1634-41.
5. Michaëlsson G, Juhlin L, Vahlquist A. Effects of oral zinc and vitamin A in acne. Arch Dermatol. 1977;113(1):31-6.
6. Kaltenberg J, Plum LM, Ober-Blöbaum JL, Hönscheid A, Rink L, Haase H. “Zinc signals promote IL-2-dependent proliferation of T cells.” Eur J Immunol. 2010 May;40(5):1496-503. doi: 10.1002/eji.200939574. Accessed October 17th 2013.
7. Hulisz D. Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: an overview. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2004;44(5):594-603.
8. Swardfager W, Herrmann N, Mcintyre RS, et al. Potential roles of zinc in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2013;37(5):911-29.
9. Ranjbar E, Shams J, Sabetkasaei M, et al. Effects of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy, inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depression. Nutr Neurosci. 2014;17(2):65-71.
10. Ho E. Zinc deficiency, DNA damage and cancer risk. J Nutr Biochem. 2004;15(10):572-8.
11. Van leeuwen R, Boekhoorn S, Vingerling JR, et al. Dietary intake of antioxidants and risk of age-related macular degeneration. JAMA. 2005;294(24):3101-7.