Zinc is an important micronutrient needed for the breakdown of enzymes, facilitating of biological processes, and regulation of physiological processes. Knowing the interesting facts about zinc can help you make the most of this vital nutrient. After iron, zinc is the second most abundantly distributed chemical element found in the body. It catalyzes protein activity, controls gene expression, and contributes to the structure of the supermolecule. It is commonly found in protein foods such as meats, shellfish and legumes.
Zinc offers amazing health benefits such as immune system boost, regulated metabolic function, wound healing etc. It also helps the body to build up its resistance against common cold and diarrhoea. Adequate zinc intake is especially vital for kids to prevent deficiency diseases which are likely to impede growth, increase risk of respiratory disease, increase risk of infection, and increase risk of diarrhoea.
Interesting facts about Zinc
- Zinc is an essential mineral for human health and the importance can be seen in immune function, white blood cell formation, egg fertilization, cell division, and a host of other enzymatic reactions. The deficiency may be linked with age-related vision deterioration.
- Zinc has been associated with the management of the common cold. The use of zinc lozenges or spray within 24 hours of the manifestation of symptoms reduces the severity and the duration of cold infection. However, this application should be with caution as no optimal dosing has been established.
- Zinc helps control infection risks in the body by boosting the body’s immune system. It does this by suppressing inflammations and free radicals within the body. Since proteins are a good source of zinc, they redirect zinc into important cells that are responsible for infection prevention in the body.
- Zinc performs wonders beyond the immune system, it helps protect against infections as well as play a vital role in the healing of wounds. Zinc deficiency can slow down wound healing processes on the skin.
- Brain health has increasingly become a matter of concern as dementia cases are getting more rampant. Zinc supplement is one of the many nutrient supplements that help boost brainpower. Magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids supplements are also useful nutrients in this range. Research has shown that zinc deficiency can lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, especially in older people. A regular intake of zinc supplements may help lower the risks of dementia. Zinc also plays a major role in the way brain neutrons interact with themselves which in turn affects how memories are formed in the brain.
- Low-sperm count which may result in infertility has been linked to zinc deficiency in men. Therefore, at an early age of 9-13 years old, males need about 10 mg of zinc per day. From the age of 14 to adulthood, the amount increases to 15 mg per day. An adequate intake of zinc from an early age could help reduce the risks of low-sperm count and infertility in men.
- While it is important to get enough zinc, too much can cause problems. Excessive zinc can suppress the body’s absorption of iron and copper. The inhalation of too much zinc from nasal gels or sprays has been linked to permanent loss of the sense of smell.
Sources of zinc
Foods rich in zinc include lean meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood (such as crab, oysters and lobster. Also, whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals contain ample amounts of zinc.
Zinc supplements have been made available to readily supply the necessary amount of zinc in the body.
Conclusion
The micronutrient zinc does not appear to be of much significance as the more familiar micronutrients such as iron, and calcium. However, the deficiency carries grave consequences and this contributes to the interesting facts about zinc you cannot continue to ignore. The strategy for adequate intake towards preventing the deficiency is to ensure you have a variety of foods every day. If it becomes necessary to supplement your intake by using a zinc supplement, ensure you access credible sources.
