Do you know much about zinc? It is one of the 16 essential minerals that we need every day. It plays a vital role in every cell in our body.

We call it a trace mineral — meaning we don't need a large amount of it. But it is important for our overall health and wellbeing. It is involved in a variety of physiological processes in the body and plays a critical role in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.

Zinc also helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, making it an important nutrient for energy production.

There are plenty of benefits to zinc, from immunity to metabolism, hair and skin health.

Curious to find out more? Let's dive in and discover the incredible health benefits of zinc!

How does zinc help the body?

Zinc is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body. More than 85% of it is found in muscle and bone.

However, the body can't store zinc, so it's essential for you to get your daily intake through your diet. Zinc can help with:

• Wound healing;
• Supporting the gastrointestinal system;
• Growth and development;
• Immunity;
• DNA synthesis;
• Enzyme reactions;
• Gene expression;
• Sense of taste and smell;
• Protection against heart disease; and
• Healthy hair.

How does the body absorb zinc?

Certain foods and the digestive tract can affect how the body absorbs zinc.

Foods such as chicken, eggs, and meat improve zinc absorption because zinc binds to protein. As a result, it is absorbed more easily in animal-based diets than those richer in plant proteins. The requirement for zinc is often 50% higher in vegetarians who have major protein staples of grains and legumes.

The many different forms of zinc supplements may also influence its absorption. Some of these include zinc gluconate, zinc acetate and zinc sulphate.

How much zinc do I need each day?

Below is a table on the recommended amount of zinc you need each day based on age.

Top 5 benefits of Zinc

Studies show that zinc has a multitude of health benefits:

Supports immunity

Zinc is a key player in immune function. When you're sick, your body needs more zinc to help fight off infections. It is important for the activation of T-cells, which are essential for attacking and destroying harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. It also helps to produce antibodies that can help to neutralise these pathogens.

Zinc deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system. Some studies indicate that those with lower levels of zinc may have an increased risk of getting pneumonia or other infections.

Helps with wound healing

Did you know that the skin holds 5% of the body's total content of zinc? Zinc is essential for the healing of wounds. It helps to support the development of new tissue and blood vessels, which are essential for the growth and repair of tissues.

It also helps to regulate inflammation and prevent infections in the wound — so if you don’t want wound healing to be delayed, it’s best to ensure you get an adequate intake of zinc for proper healing.

Maintains healthy skin

Zinc helps to regulate the production of oil, which can help to prevent acne and other skin conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce redness and irritation.

Zinc deficiency can lead to a variety of skin issues, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Enhances brain function

Zinc is involved in several aspects of brain function. It plays a role in memory and learning, and also helps to regulate neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that send signals between nerve cells in the brain.

Insufficient levels of zinc can lead to impaired cognitive function and may even contribute to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

Regulates hormones

Testosterone and estrogen are essential hormones for both men and women — zinc helps to regulate the production of both. It also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and could be possibly beneficial for individuals with PCOS.

Without sufficient zinc intake, you might experience hormonal imbalances, which can cause a variety of health issues.

Signs of a zinc deficiency

When you cannot get enough zinc through your diet, the body increases its ability to absorb it from the digestive tract and reduces how much is lost through urine. Signs of mild zinc deficiency include:

• Impaired growth
• Poor pregnancy outcomes
• Impaired immunity

Severe zinc deficiency can cause:

• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Diarrhoea
• Delayed sexual development
• Erectile dysfunction
• Eye and skin lesions
• Impaired appetite

Should I use a zinc supplement?

You may not require a zinc supplement if you have a healthy and balanced diet. However, it's important to understand the side effects of supplementation when you’re deciding whether it's right for you.

Excessive zinc intake and long term supplementation can also interact with copper absorption. In some cases, it can reduce blood copper levels and cause a deficiency.

Despite this, zinc has various health benefits and can reduce the risk of many conditions. If you are at higher risk of zinc deficiency or unable to eat zinc-rich foods, it may be worthwhile for you to consider our Vitable Zinc supplement.

Our zinc supplement is in the form of zinc glycinate, a highly bioavailable form, and coupled with copper for optimal mineral balance. This single-dose formula is key in supporting a healthy immune system, and to promote skin repair.

Find out more about other supplements we have too:

Zinc | Cranberry | Ashwagandha | Vitamin C Plus | Magnesium | Iron | Calcium Plus

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.