Zinc is neither created nor stored. You get it from the foods you consume. Shellfish, oysters, red meat, and poultry are rich sources of zinc.
Zinc is a mineral involved in multiple processes in your body. It plays a vital role in immunity, wound healing, cell growth, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis. Furthermore, zinc is essential for the proper functioning of smell and taste.
If you have zinc deficiency, the physician may recommend including foods rich in zinc. In certain conditions, the physician might recommend a zinc supplement as well. Among the varied forms of zinc, zinc gluconate – 50 mg tablet is the most common.
The recommended dietary allowance for adult men and women is 11 mg and 8 mg of zinc per day respectively.
Zinc is required in every cell to perform the activity of around 100 enzymes. The various benefits of zinc gluconate include:
Zinc products are used to treat skin injuries, burns, and ulcers, as it maintains the integrity of the skin. It helps in every stage of the wound healing process starting from injury to skin repair.
Zinc deficiency suppresses immunity. It’s because zinc is used to produce and activate T-lymphocytes (white blood cells necessary to support immunity). Among the elders, zinc intake via foods or supplements can potentially improve immunity.
Oxidative stress can lead to chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, and more. As zinc shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by reducing oxidative stress, doctors recommend zinc supplementation.
Oral or topical zinc use can effectively treat acne by reducing inflammation, inhibiting bacterial growth, and suppressing sebaceous gland (oily gland) activity.
Zinc can potentially reduce cold symptoms by reducing their duration and severity. Studies recommended that zinc intake can potentially reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms if started within 24 hours.
Zinc intake can successfully delay the onset of vision loss and age-related macular degeneration. A large clinical trial study reported that zinc supplementation in combination with antioxidants could significantly reduce the risk of developing vision loss and age-related macular degeneration.
Another study involving elders from the Netherlands reported a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration by consuming a high dietary intake of zinc, vitamins C and E, and beta carotene
Zinc can be consumed as a dietary supplement in varied forms:
The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements recommended that zinc supplements work effectively if consumed at least one hour before or two hours after having meals.
Depending on the gender and age, the dose of zinc will vary. However, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and the label directions before consuming a zinc supplement.
Usually, people can get their recommended zinc level from their diet. Make sure not to increase the dose of zinc supplementation as it might lead to zinc toxicity. The symptoms of zinc toxicity include headache, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and low immunity.
Furthermore, zinc can also cross-interact with other medications. So, always make sure to inform your doctor if you are taking a zinc supplement, especially zinc gluconate – 50 mg tablets.