Zinc is one of the most critical minerals required for the proper functioning of the body. Zinc is a cofactor for over 300 different known bio-enzymes and an important structural constituent for many proteins in the body. Zinc promotes a healthy immune system, healing of wounds and allows acuity of taste and smell. It protects the liver from chemical damage and is important for bone formation. Zinc supports normal growth during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence. Thus it is of no wonder many a disease conditions can be either cured or prevented by zinc supplementation. Cancer forms more easily when zinc levels are low. Zinc stimulates the production of white blood cells, a part of the immune system that fights cancer. Zinc lozenges have been reported to be effective in relieving symptoms of the common cold and reducing the duration of colds from seven to four days.
Zinc’s most valuable medical contribution is its ability to balance blood sugar. Zinc assists the pancreas in manufacturing insulin and protects the gates of the cell membrane that allow the hormone to enter. In people who have diabetes zinc also helps lower cholesterol. Zinc is fundamental to the sexual and reproductive health to both genders, it boosts libido, helps in testosterone production, protects the prostate gland against enlargement, increase sperm count and motility, helps during PMS, prevents abortions and delivery problems. As a first aid treatment for any wound or skin irritation, bottle of calamine lotion (that contains zinc) is the first option used as zinc promotes protein synthesis thus wound healing. Zinc supplementation is a must before and after any surgical procedure. Zinc plays a crucial role in treating many neurological illnesses such as schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, attention deficit disorder and clinical depression. Antioxidants are crucial to maintaining sight and protection of eye tissue. Zinc in form of zinc monomethionine acts as an antioxidant. Zinc deficiency is one of the causes of blindness, macular degeneration. Zinc is also helpful in treating and preventing cataracts.
A deficiency in zinc may result by excess perspiration, consumption of hard water, and consumption of high fiber that causes zinc to be excreted out. Conditions such as diarrhea, diabetes, kidney disease and liver cirrhosis also deplete the body’s reserve of zinc. So could you be deficient in zinc? Here are a list of symptoms of zinc deficiency to look for-
· Acne
· Finger nails thin and develop white spots
· Hair loss
· Impaired night vision
· Impotence
· Loss of the sense of taste and smell
· Recurrent colds and flu
· Slow wound healing
· Susceptibility to infections
How does one find out if you are zinc deficient? A typical blood test does not give an accurate measure of the zinc content in the body. But a simple taste test that anyone can perform at home is the best way to determine zinc deficiency. The test is based on the fact that our sense of taste depends on zinc. A solution of zinc sulfate heptahydrate, a widely available liquid supplement of zinc, is needed for this test. The test involves simply swishing the liquid around in the mouth, if you immediately notice a bitter taste you don’t have a deficiency, if however there is a delayed recognition of the taste you are deficient in zinc.
Supplements of zinc are available as zinc salts of - zinc monomethionine, zinc picolinate, zinc aspartate, zinc orotate, zinc chelate. Zinc is very safe to use although you must be aware of certain caveats. Zinc competes with other minerals for absorption (copper, manganese and iron). For optimum health a proper 1-to-10 balance between copper and zinc levels in the body should be maintained. Therefore, do not take more than 200 mg of zinc daily as it may contribute to deficiencies of other minerals. Consult a doctor knowledgeable in nutritional medicine to treat any of the medical conditions mentioned above.
