Zinc is an essential mineral and is the second most abundant trace mineral in the body, it can be found in most of our tissues. Zinc plays an important role in the growth and development of tissues. At the cellular level, zinc helps with the proper functioning of enzymes in DNA replication, cell division, cell differentiation, and cell repair.
It also plays a role in neurotransmitter release from neurons at synapses. Zinc is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage caused by oxidative stress. In addition to having antioxidant properties zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties because it inhibits cytokines involved in inflammatory processes.
Our bodies do not produce zinc so we must get it from our diet or supplements.
Zinc deficiency causes many problems. Zinc is involved in the proper functioning of many different enzymes and hormones in the body. For this reason, even mild deficiencies can cause a variety of issues from an impaired immune response, to poor taste or smell, to a compromised sense of smell and taste, and even male infertility.
In some cases, zinc deficiency caused clinical signs such as dermatitis (skin inflammation) and diarrhea.
There are several symptoms of zinc deficiency, including skin lesions, hair loss, loss of appetite, growth retardation, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation among children and adolescents, and weakened immune systems.
The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board recently revised the recommended daily allowance for zinc; it is currently 18 mg/day for adults and children 12 to 50 years of age, with a higher recommendation of 35 mg/day for adults 51 years old or older, pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
Because the body needs zinc in divided amounts, it is not surprising that Zinc plays many roles throughout the body. In addition to these roles in human health, zinc plays a crucial role in the health of many animals including chickens and pigs as well as fish such as salmon which receive their highest levels from seafood like oysters, anchovies, shrimp, and sardines.
Many foods contain small amounts of zinc. These foods include oysters, crab, sardines, shrimp, poultry (especially dark meat), beef liver, beans, and oatmeal. Zinc is also present in seafood like herring and tuna because fish absorb the mineral through their gills.
Zinc can also be found in some spices such as turmeric or celery seeds. As a supplement, 100 mg is a standard dose of zinc for adults although there is no set standard for children's doses.
Zinc works by binding to the receptor proteins on the surface of cells throughout the body which is required to receive hormones. One of these hormones is called Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) which stimulates cell growth and division.
In addition to helping with wound healing, zinc also helps activate salivary glands and enzymes in saliva like amylase and ptyalin which break down carbohydrates.
Zinc is an important element in our diets. Not only is it essential to the proper functioning of many enzymes and hormones but it also provides support for our immune systems. For this reason, we should make sure that we are getting enough zinc in our diets every day so that we may enjoy all of the benefits.
Adults need 30 to 40 mg of zinc per day and children between the ages of 12 and 50 need 20 to 30 mg of zinc per day. Zinc is considered safe for most people when taken in supplement form.
Why Is Zinc Important?
Zinc acts as a nutrient that regulates various functions within the body. It is involved in red blood cell production, collagen formation, bone formation, cell division, and hormone production. In addition, it plays an important role in the growth and development of our digestive tract and hormones within the reproductive system. Zinc also contributes to the immune system by helping to speed up healing time and even inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Since zinc is essential to our health, it is important that we ensure that we are getting enough of the mineral in our diets every day.
Zinc is an important element in the structure and function of many enzymes and hormones. For instance, it helps to activate and regulate the EGF hormone, which is important for cell growth and division. Zinc also plays an important role in promoting tissue repair after injury or irritation.
Zinc also works with vitamin D to help us absorb calcium, allowing us to build strong bones. Adequate zinc levels have been found to correlate with healthy bone density and strength. Zinc also works with vitamin A to help build healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Additionally, zinc helps to maintain the health of the stomach and digestive tract by aiding in the production of acid, which helps break down food during digestion. It also works with vitamin B6 to lower levels of homocysteine, a compound that has been linked to heart disease.
Zinc is also an important nutrient for our immune system. In recent studies, it has been revealed that our immune systems depend on zinc in order to develop properly and remain strong throughout life. It works alongside selenium and copper in order to bolster immune system functions like healing wounds and fighting off pathogens.
Zinc is an important element that allows us to see our reflection in mirrors and helps strengthen our eyesight. Zinc is also critical for the proper functioning of taste, smell, and hearing.
Zinc is also important for maintaining a healthy reproductive system. It plays a role in sperm production and the activity of enzymes that help make hormones during pregnancy. As well as this, it plays a role in activating other hormones involved in the reproductive system such as prolactin and estrogen. And it even regulates the effectiveness of these hormones within our bodies by working with vitamin B12 to create new red blood cells in your body's bone marrow.
Zinc works with copper to maintain a healthy nervous system and interacts with iron to help your body absorb nutrients in the diet. Zinc also works alongside vitamin A in the production of visual pigments, which help make our eyesight possible.
Not only is zinc an essential element for the body, but it also plays a very important role in maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. It helps our bodies to absorb more iron from dietary sources, particularly from red meat. It also plays an important role in producing collagen that helps reinforce our bones and skin.
Because of its mineral functions within the body, zinc can have many harmful effects if too little or too much is taken as a supplement. For this reason, it is important that you consult with your doctor before taking a supplement containing zinc.
Zinc Deficiency Symptoms
Since zinc is essential to our overall health, it would be wise for us to make sure that we are getting enough of the mineral every day by eating healthy whole foods. However, if we do not eat enough whole foods rich in zinc then we may become deficient in the mineral. Deficiency symptoms can include:
· Delayed growth
· Delayed sexual maturity
· Lowered immunity from persistent infections
· Weak immune system, which results in the development of recurrent infections (i.e. colds, flu)
· Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract which can lead to pancreatic insufficiency or Crohn's disease
· Impaired taste and smell because they both rely on zinc to function properly within our bodies
· Dry itchy skin that cracks or tears easily because zinc is essential to the production of collagen, which helps reinforce our skin and keep it strong and healthy. Not enough zinc can cause acne or can make it worse by increasing sebum production from the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Zinc Deficiency And Acne
Since zinc is an element that helps to keep the skin healthy and strong, it is important for reducing and treating acne.
One way that zinc contributes to normal skin health is by activating proteins in the skin that form tight junctions between cells. Tight junctions are a type of cell junction protein found in epithelial tissue such as our skin and help to hold cells together so that they can function properly. They also prevent excess sebum from leaking out of the sebaceous glands which can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts.
Unfortunately, zinc deficiency can cause acne because it stops the production of these tight junctions and therefore stops our skin from functioning properly. This leads to the overproduction of sebum, which causes acne breakouts.
Zinc also plays a part in the activation of two proteins within the skin called filaggrin and keratinocyte growth factor. Both proteins play an important role in the formation of hair follicles and stimulation of cell replication so that new cells can be generated to produce hair and skin.
Zinc deficiency is found in one-third of the U.S. population, making it more common than many people realize. For this reason, it is important to make sure that we are getting enough zinc every day either through whole foods or a high-quality zinc supplement.
Zinc Supplements
There are many different types of zinc supplements. They can be taken in tablet or capsule form, but they can also be found in lozenges as well as topical creams and ointments. It is best to talk with a doctor before taking a supplement because the dosage of zinc and other mineral supplements depends on your overall health. If you are deficient in an element, it may be difficult to reverse the effects by simply taking a supplement.
Zinc is available as a supplement derived from several different mineral sources such as oyster shells or as various forms of chelates (e.g., zinc gluconate, zinc acetate). Many supplements are also available in combo products that contain other minerals and herbs which can help improve the absorption of these minerals into the body.
Take care when buying zinc supplements because many brands contain ingredients that can actually cause more harm than good. Many herbal remedies contain ingredients that interfere with the body's ability to absorb zinc, which can lead to an actual zinc deficiency. Some of these ingredients include:
· Magnesium
· Calcium
· Iron
· Fish oils, including cod liver oil and krill oil, can also interfere with the body's ability to absorb zinc.
The recommended dosage for adult men is generally between 11mg and 13mg per day (please consult your doctor for recommended dosage). Researchers have also found that the average intake of zinc in Americans has dropped considerably over the last two decades from 14mg per day in 1989 to only 9mg per day today. This is most likely due to a decrease in the consumption of zinc-rich foods, including shellfish and red meat.
What Zinc Is Used For?
Zinc is used for a variety of different purposes.
· Because of its mineral content, it plays an essential role in our immune system and helps to maintain healthy skin.
· It also helps to regulate hormone levels and helps to prevent too much nutrient absorption in the body. Zinc is also called the hormone-balancer because it does so many important things within the body that help balance hormones and keep all of our systems functioning properly.
· It is used for wound healing and to heal wounds as well as treat acne scars because zinc regulates cell growth, which can speed up skin cell regeneration by increasing collagen production.
· It is used to treat a variety of different types of digestive problems because it helps to absorb nutrients from food and helps to eliminate unwanted substances in the digestive tract. Zinc is also used for reducing inflammation, which can result from too much inflammation.
· It is important for maintaining healthy skin and bones. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, poor bone development, and changes in skin color. This can be caused by low levels of neurotransmitters, which cause a decrease in sebum production that results in dry skin and hair loss.
· It is used in the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin (which carries oxygen within our bodies) because it plays a vital role in iron absorption and assists in the function of many different types of enzymes.
· It can reduce pain naturally by regulating the production of chemicals that cause inflammation, which can also cause a variety of different problems, including heartburn, muscle pain, joint pain, and inflammation due to colds or flu.
Foods With Zinc
Nearly all of our zinc comes from food sources. There are several different types of foods that we can eat to make sure that we are getting enough zinc.
· Meat, poultry, and fish: Beef, chicken, pork, shellfish, shrimp and other shellfish (such as lobster), salmon, and sardines.
· Beans: Lima beans, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas
· Fruits: Bananas and blueberries
· Nuts: Almonds and peanuts
· Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread
· Other: Brewer's yeast and brewer's yeast extracts
· Zinc can also be found in some multivitamins such as vitamin C.
In addition to whole foods that have high amounts of this mineral, you can also find zinc in a variety of products like mineral supplements, asthma medications, cold tablets, antacids, and antidiarrheal medications. Unfortunately, it is very common for people to take zinc supplements but still be deficient because they are only getting a tiny fraction of the recommended amount. It is best to talk with your doctor about your zinc intake and make sure that you are getting enough.
The Best Sources Of Zinc For Skin Care
Since zinc is very important for healthy skin, it is important to look for products that contain it. There are a few different ingredients that will be listed on the labels of skincare products that contain this mineral. You can find zinc oxide, also known as white mineral powder, in many sunscreen products as well as calamine lotion. Look for products made with zinc oxide or ask a physician about other brands of prescription-strength sunscreens, which can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies.
Zinc oxide is used in prescription products such as dermatological creams and ointments, especially those used to treat acne and eczema. You can also find zinc oxide in sunscreens and eye makeup. Zinc oxide is pressed from the zinc ore with a combination of air and water or steam. This product is available as an opaque white powder or as a transparent odorless powder. Because this mineral can be absorbed into the body through your skin, it is best to use sunscreen if you are going to be in the sun for long periods of time because this can prevent UV rays from penetrating into your skin, which could lead to skin cancer or other unwanted side effects like premature aging.
Zinc oxide has been shown to work alongside other ingredients like sunscreen, retinoids, and vitamins C and E, as well as vitamin A. This provides vital protection for the skin's surface and can help with fading of sun damage caused by UV rays. It is also believed to work with antioxidants that are available in the skincare products that contain this mineral, which helps your skin regenerate after too much damage.
Many people say that they are allergic to zinc oxide products because it tends to be extremely drying for skin types that have sensitive or dry skin. This is especially true for people with sensitive or dry skin types who do not apply moisturizers often enough. However, people who use zinc oxide products daily have found that their skin is extremely soft and smooth after using them while other people who use them have not found any issues with dry or sensitive skin.
Other names for zinc include zinc sulfate, hydroxyzine, and cerium oxide. This mineral is used in some antiperspirant deodorants to block the pores in sweat glands to keep you from smelling stinky. It can also be found in certain hair products such as shampoos, moisturizers, and conditioners. Zinc can also be found in some supplements like vitamin C and prenatal vitamins.
Allergic reactions to zinc can be caused by certain types of medications. An example of this is the drug Diclofenac, which is used for treating arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Zinc can also be found in some blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors. Certain types of acne medications like hormonal birth control pills, spironolactone, or tetracycline can also cause allergic reactions to zinc in some people because they contain strong amounts of zinc.
Zinc has been shown to be extremely important for our skin's health because it helps from cell growth and also helps to reduce inflammation within the body. It can also help with the production of healthy skin hormones that regulate sebum production. Over time, zinc deficiency can cause flaking, dryness, and inflammation. If your doctor knows that you are deficient in zinc and knows how to test for this mineral, you may have to take a supplement that contains it to get enough.
This mineral is found at high levels in our bones as well as our blood and brain tissue. Zinc is used for many different functions within these different types of cells because it plays a vital role in protein synthesis and DNA replication. This mineral is needed for maintaining an optimal immune system, which helps the body recognize and destroy toxins within the body (antioxidants).
Zinc is an essential mineral that can be obtained through a wide variety of foods and skincare products. It is important to make sure that you are getting enough of this essential nutrient because it plays a vital role in your body's processes like DNA replication and protein synthesis, which are needed for the proper growth and maintenance of healthy tissue. If you have any questions or concerns about zinc, please talk with your doctor or dermatologist to learn more about taking zinc supplements for your skin (or to treat any other symptoms).