The role of zinc in health and disease.
Zinc is a nutrient that people need to stay healthy. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. It helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses. The body also needs zinc to make proteins and DNA, the genetic material in all cells. During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood, the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. Zinc also helps wounds
heal and is important for proper senses of taste and smell.
Zinc and regulating immune function
According to the European Journal of Immunology, the human body needs zinc to activate T lymphocytes (T cells).
T cells help the body in two ways:
- controlling and regulating immune responses
- attacking infected or cancerous cells
Zinc deficiency can severely impair immune system function.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “zinc-deficient persons experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens.”
Immune System Support — Zinc enables the function of essential immune cells and reduces oxidative stress to lower risk of infection and even shorten the duration of the common cold.
Enhanced Gut Health — Zinc helps promote good digestion by producing digestive enzymes and keeping the intestinal wall strong. [93]
Anti-aging Properties — The antioxidant properties of zinc work to fight free radicals, which speed up the aging process and break down skin’s natural elasticity.
Cognitive Function Boost — Along with its anti-inflammatory effects, zinc benefits the brain by facilitating communication between neurons and supporting healthy hormone levels.
Zinc effects on learning and memory
Research conducted at the University of Toronto and published in the journal Neuron suggested that zinc has a crucial role in regulating how neurons communicate with one another, affecting how memories are formed and how we learn.
Zinc’s role in wound healing
Zinc plays a role in maintaining skin integrity and structure. Patients experiencing chronic wounds or ulcers often have deficient zinc metabolism and lower serum zinc levels. Zinc is often used in skin creams for treating diaper rash or other skin irritations.
A Swedish study that analysed zinc in wound healing concluded, “topical zinc may stimulate leg ulcer healing by enhancing re-epithelialization, decreasing inflammation and bacterial growth. When zinc is applied on wounds, it not only corrects a local zinc deficit but also acts pharmacologically.”
However, research has not consistently shown that use of zinc sulfate in patients with chronic wounds or ulcers is effective at improving healing rate.
Zinc to treat the common cold
Zinc lozenges were found to shorten the duration of common cold episodes by up to 40 percent in a study published in the Open Respiratory Medicine Journal.
In addition, a Cochrane review concluded that taking “zinc (lozenges or syrup) is beneficial in reducing the duration and severity of the common cold in healthy people, when taken within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.”
Zinc for treating diarrhea
According to the World Health Organization, diarrhea kills an astonishing 1.6 million children under 5 every year. Zinc pills may help reduce diarrhea.
A PLoS Medicine study, which “followed a nationwide public health campaign to increase zinc use for childhood diarrhea in Bangladesh,” confirmed that a 10-day course of zinc tablets is effective at treating diarrhea and also helps prevent future bouts of the condition.
Zinc and decreased risk of age-related chronic disease
A study from researchers at Oregon State University have found that improving zinc status through diet and supplementation may reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases. It has been known for decades that zinc has a significant role in immune function. Deficiency has been linked to increased inflammation in chronic disease and triggering new inflammatory processes. Zinc for preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Zinc prevents cellular damage in the retina, which helps in delaying the progression of AMD and vision loss, according to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
Zinc and fertility
Several studies and trials have linked poor zinc status with low sperm quality. For example, one study in the Netherlands found that subjects had a higher sperm count after zinc sulfate and folic acid supplementation. In another study, researchers concluded that poor zinc intake may be a risk factor for low quality of sperm and male infertility.
Other possible zinc benefits
Zinc may also be effective for the treatment of:
- acne – one study, published in JAMA, showed promising results of zinc sulfate for the treatment of acne
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- osteoporosis
- preventing and treating pneumonia
- Supports healthy immune function through the activation of T-cells.
- Boosts energy levels and promotes restorative sleep.
- Strengthens cell function and production.
- Defends against free radicals for anti-aging benefits.
- Antioxidant properties help relieve oxidative stress and lower inflammation levels.
- Essential for enzymatic healing processes and tissue repair.
- Supports digestion and metabolism.
- Boosts cognitive ability, mood, and stamina.
- Aids in the absorption of B vitamins.