Zinc

One nutrient deficiency can have a drastic effect on your health. We will illustrate by using zinc, but every nutrient is similar in that it is necessary for multiple body activities. What applies to zinc applies to all nutrients.

What is Zinc?
Zinc is a mineral that is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism, being essential for activation of almost 200 enzymes that have vital roles in the body. When enzymes do not get activated, they cannot perform their necessary functions which, in turn, damages health. Zinc promotes healthy skin, hair, immunity, fertility, and growth.

What Does Zinc Do In The Body?

1. Role in cell regulation;
2. Required in immune function to fight off invading bacteria and viruses;
3. Role in maintaining proper acid/base balance;
4. Role in production of DNA and RNA (genetic material in all cells);
5. Role in production of proteins;
6. Required for lipid metabolism;
7. Required for production of eicosanoids (signaling chemical);
8. Essential for male and female fertility;
9. Required in vitamin A metabolism (getting out of liver storage and transporting);
10. Supports normal development during gestation, childhood and adolescence;
11. Required for normal pregnancy and labor;
12. Component of insulin (energy metabolism);
13. Component of thymic hormones (immune function); and
14. Component of gustin for sense of smell and taste (taste acuity).

What Can Go Wrong When Zinc is Deficient?

Here is a list : Read More »

The mineral zinc is classified as an essential nutrient due to the vital functions it performs in our bodies.  It is found in almost every cell of the body with highest concentrations in the liver, pancreas, kidney, bone, and muscle. High concentrations occur in the brain, middle ear, eye, prostate gland, sperm, skin, hair, and nails. This micronutrient is essential for the activity of approximately 100 enzymes. Enzymes promote biochemical reactions in the body.

Zinc supports a healthy immune system. It is needed for wound healing and DNA synthesis. It helps maintain our sense of taste and smell and is involved in energy metabolism, hemoglobin production, carbon dioxide transport, prostaglandin function, synthesis of collagen, protein synthesis, and vitamin A metabolism. Zinc is important for male fertility. It supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. Read More »