ZINC

Zinc is an important mineral that can impact every health aspect. For more than 300 different enzymes, adequate levels of zinc is needed. Zinc lozenges are commonly used during cold and healthy zinc levels in the body can help with immunity. While your food ensures that your body gets enough zinc, your body may not absorb it effectively or you may not eat a healthy diet. In that case, zinc supplements can be useful. 

What Happens When There Is Zinc Deficiency?

Zinc deficiency is not very common, but it's an essential nutrient that your body can't produce on its own. Some of the reasons why you may not get enough zinc is because of dietary restrictions, improper absorption, or other health conditions. When you don't take enough zinc through your diet, you may have:

• Impaired immunity

• Poor appetite

• Hair loss

• Slow wound healing

• Diarrhea

Zinc supplements can be useful in effectively increasing zinc levels in the body. Any symptoms caused by deficiency can be improved quickly with the use of the best type of zinc supplement. 

To know whether you have zinc deficiency, your doctor may recommend a blood test. They may suggest zinc supplements to address this deficiency. 

Benefits of Taking Zinc Supplements

Some of the benefits of zinc supplements are:

• Immune support: Healthy levels of zinc can help with better immunity. 

• Cold Relief: In one study, the use of zinc lozenges helped reduce common cold duration by 33%. Zinc lozenges like the one from Seeking Health can be useful in reducing the duration of the common cold. Other popular brands that offer Zinc Lozenges are Douglas Laboratories, Natures Way, Rx Vitamins, etc. These lozenges contain different strengths of zinc, such as 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, etc, depending on the brand. Sometimes, they also contain vitamin C to boost immunity and support relief from common cold. 

• Skin Health & Wound Healing: Zinc sulfate is particularly useful to manage acne and improve healing. On Nutriessential, we have Zinc Sulphate cream that can be useful to restore healthy skin oils. 

• Eye Care: Zinc is also effective in slowing down age-related macular degeneration. Zinc supplements may be useful for improving vision. 

• Blood Sugar and Heart Health: Healthy levels of zinc in the body can improve insulin sensitivity. It can also be useful in reducing LDL and triglyceride levels in the body. 

• Oxidative Protection: Due to its antioxidant properties, zinc is useful to combat oxidative stress. In a research, zinc was found to be useful in preventing metabolic syndrome. 

• Sexual Health: Zinc supplements for men are important for sexual health. It acts as a hormone balancer. 

• Cognitive Health: Healthy levels of zinc can be correlated to healthy cognitive functions. 

What are the Different Zinc Supplement Forms?

Zinc supplements are available in different forms, like:

• Zinc Gluconate: Common in lozenges and boosts cold recovery. 

• Zinc Sulphate: Works well for acne

• Zinc Citrate: Has a better taste and is well absorbed. 

• Zinc Picolinate: It's absorbed better than gluconate and citrate. 

At Nutriessential, you can buy these zinc supplements in various forms from leading brands like Pure Encapsulations, Dr. Mercola, Seeking Health, etc. 

Synergistic Zinc Supplements – What Are They?

While you can find zinc supplements containing zinc alone, certain minerals like copper, selenium, magnesium, etc work well along with zinc to amplify the health benefits. 

• Zinc and Copper Supplements: Zinc and copper are antagonistic ingredients because when one mineral is taken in higher quantities, the absorption of the other one reduces. That's why Solaray Zinc Copper supplement contains both these minerals in the right proportion. 

• Calcium Magnesium Zinc Supplements: The combination of calcium, magnesium and zinc is highly popular for its support for bone health and muscular function. 

• Zinc and Selenium Supplement: Another well-known combination zinc supplement is zinc and selenium supplement that is useful for immune support. 

Should I Take Zinc Supplements?

When you take a healthy diet including beans, meats, fish, whole grain cereals, and dairy products, you may get enough zinc from your diet. Those who are on a plant-based diet may need zinc supplements because natural zinc in plant-based sources is difficult for the body to absorb. 

Women may need additional zinc during pregnancy, but you must consult with your doctor first to determine whether you need zinc supplements. Zinc supplements for men are important for hormone balance. 

When you take multivitamin supplements containing zinc, you may not need a separate zinc supplement. However, only an expert can tell you what kind of minerals and in what proportions are needed for your body. 

What are Zinc Supplement Side Effects?

Zinc is an important mineral, but only in the right quantities. Excessive zinc consumption can result in:

• Nausea, vomiting

• Abdominal cramps and diarrhea

• Headaches

• Nasal zinc sprays may cause loss of smell

Navigating the Best Zinc Supplements

When you are looking for the best zinc supplement, consider the form of zinc and your specific needs. For example, if you are looking for cold support, you may need lozenges. For immunity support, Zinc + Vitamin C chewables are available from Trace Minerals brand. 

Ensure that the brand you choose has a good reputation in the industry and verifies the quality of zinc supplements with thorough testing. You can consult the health expert at Nutriessential to find the right zinc supplement that fits your needs. 

FAQs

1. How can I tell if I need zinc supplements?

Zinc deficiency may result in weak immunity, slow wound healing, hair loss, loss of taste, and smell. However, only a healthcare professional can determine whether you have a zinc deficiency through blood tests. 

2. Are zinc lozenges really effective against a cold?

In some research, taking zinc lozenges within 24 hours of cold symptoms may help reduce cold duration. However, the effect can differ from one person to another based on their own health conditions. 

3. Can zinc interact with other medications?

Yes, zinc has interactions with many medications, including antibiotics. So, when you have health conditions or take other medications, or supplements, you can take zinc supplements only after consulting with your doctor.