Zinc

Zinc functions to protect the brain cells.

Zinc is an essential mineral important in helping to support healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It has antioxidant properties, helps maintain normal taste and sense of smell, aids in healing and promoting a healthy immune system, helps synthesize DNA and RNA and promotes normal growth and development.

Zinc, on the other hand, helps vitamin A move from the liver to other parts of the body where it is needed. ?Without zinc, our bodies cannot transfer vitamin A from the liver. ?Alcohol, liver problems, and diseases affecting the intestines also reduce vitamin A absorption into the body.

Zinc can enter the body if you eat foods or drink water or other beverages containing zinc, or if you breathe zinc dust or fumes from the air. Very small amounts of zinc enter the body through skin contact. People living near a smelter or another zinc-producing industry who have a private well are most likely to be exposed through their drinking water. They also may be exposed to zinc through the air they breathe, or through vegetables grown in contaminated soils. Through frequent hand-to-mouth contact, children also can be exposed to zinc by playing in contaminated soils.

Zinc is found naturally in shellfish, beef and other red meats, nuts and seeds, beans, and milk and cheese. Tea, coffee, and certain medications may interfere with zinc absorption in the intestines.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. Zinc has antioxidant effects and is vital to the body’s resistance to infection. It may also decrease the ability of cold viruses to grow on or bind to the lining of the nose , and zinc is important for tissue repair.

Zinc oxide (ZnO), a common zinc compound, forms when metallic zinc is exposed to the air and forms a protective coating that protects the rest of the metal. Zinc oxide is used in paints, some rubber products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, printing inks, soap and batteries, among other things. Zinc sulfide (ZnS), another zinc compound, glows when it is exposed to ultraviolet light, X-rays or electrons and is used to make luminous watch dials, television screens and fluorescent light bulbs. Zinc chloride (ZnCl 2 ) is another zinc compound that is used to protect wood from decay and insects.

Zinc is an essential mineral required for wound healing, vision, reproduction, and immune function. Red meat, nuts, and whole wheat flour are great sources of zinc. As a dietary supplement, zinc is found in many forms including zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc citrate, zinc sulfate, zinc carbonate, and zinc picolanate to name a few. Not all of these forms of zinc are effective in reducing cold symptoms. The type of zinc (eg: the form) as well as the delivery (eg: oral pill vs. topical lozenge) is critical to achieving cold fighting effectiveness.

Zinc is needed to make insulin, the hormone which helps us regulate blood sugar levels. Healthy insulin production is incredibly important in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, keeping good energy levels, and in controlling cravings, amongst other things.

Zinc helps make both stomach acid, and some of the digestive enzymes made by the pancreas (e.g. carboxypolypeptidase). Both of these are essential for good digestion.