5 things you didn’t know about zinc

Zinc is one of the most well-known trace elements and we hear it very often during the winter months due to its adjuvant action. If you all know your positive effect on the immune system, there are some data that highlight the zinc and make it stand out.

1. Zinc is the most important and common trace element of the body

Yes, zinc is one of the most abundant trace elements of the body, as it is found in almost every cell. Known for centuries, it has been used to strengthen the immune system, reproduce, develop, taste, see, and also participate in blood clotting mechanisms, insulin action, and thyroid function.

2. Taking zinc reduces the duration of the cold and prevents it

Taking zinc in fact, as has been seen in many studies, can reduce the duration of the cold, whether it is taken in lozenges or nasal sprays. It can also reduce the intensity of symptoms such as a cough, runny nose and sore throat. Taking zinc through a supplement can also prevent the occurrence of a cold as it shields the immune system.

3. Reduced levels of zinc significantly affect many of the body’s functions

Zinc is abundant in food, so its lack is rare. However, elderly people, alcoholics, people with anorexia, people with enteropathy, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, or those who follow strict hypothermic diets for a long time have decreased levels. Symptoms of zinc deficiency are reduced appetite, delayed development, weight loss, lack of taste and smell, bad wound healing, acne and the appearance of dermatological problems (acne, psoriasis, eczema).

4. Zinc reduces the absorption of copper

Taking zinc reduces the amount of copper absorbed by the body. For this reason, large doses of zinc may lead to a lack of copper. It is advised to take 2 mg of copper together with zinc supplements.

5. Not all forms of zinc are the same absorbable

The daily recommended zinc intake is 8-11mg. Zinc-rich foods are red meat, fish, poultry and some plant products. The amounts of zinc found in the most common supplements are 30-50mg and are available in various forms such as zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc glycerate, zinc monomethionine and zinc sulfate. As the body absorbs only 20-40% of the zinc it takes, care is needed to determine the dose, and it is recommended that zinc intake is made in the presence of meal and protein.

  In Vita4you you can find a great variety of zinc supplements.