Hello
This is Dad Pharmacist.
Today I'd like to take a look at a nutrient called zinc (Zn),,
It is the third nutrient I'm checking, after vitamin D and magnesium (Mg).
The Seriousness of Vitamin D Deficiency
Magnesium (Mg) – The Invisible Deficiency
Rather than being a problem due to deficiency like vitamin D or magnesium,,
zinc is a nutrient that many people are interested in because of immunity.
Zinc (Zinc, Zn)
Most commonly, people look for it because their child catches colds easily,
and it is also a nutrient often sought to stimulate a child's appetite,,
In fact, zinc
has more uses than you might think if you look at it with just a little more interest,
so I'd like to take a deeper look at it.
Some slightly technical content is included,
but I think you'll be just fine even if you skip over it 🙂
Shall we get started!!
1. What Is Zinc (Zn)?
Zinc is a type of metal, like calcium, magnesium, and iron,
In order to maintain health and perform important functions every day,
it is an essential trace element needed in small amounts every single day.
It is involved in various bodily functions such as cell growth, maturation of reproductive function, and immunity,
with our body containing approximately 1.5 to 2.5g,
of which approximately 60% is distributed in the muscles, and the rest in the skeleton and other areas.
2. Roles of Zinc
It acts as more than 200 types of enzymes, including those involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism,
hormone production and secretion,
and is also involved in regulating major metabolic processes and reactions in the body.
Also, in processes such as DNA synthesis, growth, brain development, cell membrane stability, bone formation, and wound healing,
it plays an important role as a cofactor for the enzymes required in these various processes.
The main roles of zinc are as follows.
1. Boosting Immunity
When it comes to zinc, immunity is the first thing that comes to mind.
Consistent zinc intake may reduce the risk of catching a cold,
and even when you do catch a cold, taking zinc can speed up the recovery process.
According to a study conducted by the Medical Education Centre in Chandigarh, India,
administering zinc within 24 hours of the onset of cold-related symptoms
significantly shortened the duration of symptoms compared to the control group that did not receive zinc supplementation.
2. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
Zinc is an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
It helps prevent cancerous cell mutations in elderly patients
and supports normal cell division that inhibits tumor growth.
Therefore, it may be effective against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
3. Maintaining Hormonal Balance
Zinc plays an important role in the production and activity of hormones such as thyroid hormones, insulin, growth hormones, and sex hormones.
4. Cardiovascular Health
Zinc helps maintain cardiovascular health through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
Therefore, it helps improve conditions such as arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
5. Diarrhea Prevention
Zinc deficiency is associated with chronic digestive disorders and diarrheal diseases.
Persistent diarrhea can cause zinc deficiency.
Zinc supplementation is effective for prevention and acute diarrhea.
The WHO and UNICEF recommend giving 20mg of zinc for 10–14 days to children with acute diarrhea in developing countries (children under 6 months of age should receive 10mg).
6. Increased Likelihood of Pregnancy
Zinc plays an important role in the production and regulation of sex hormones.
It regulates male hormone testosterone levels and is also needed during the maturation of female eggs and the ovulation process.
Therefore, it is an ingredient that couples preparing for pregnancy, as well as patients with infertility, must make sure to take.
7. Aids Muscle Growth and Recovery.
Zinc plays an important role in cell division and cell growth.
Zinc supports the repair and growth of muscles by enabling the body to heal and maintain strength in the muscles and skeletal system.
8. In addition, zinc plays a variety of roles, including in diabetes, cardiovascular health, liver health,
maintaining appetite and sense of taste, and promoting wound healing.
(Source: auroralifescience.com)
3. Zinc Deficiency
When does zinc deficiency occur?
Simply put, insufficient zinc intake would lead to deficiency, right?
Foods high in protein such as meat and certain seafood,
and especially legumes and grains, have a high zinc content.
However, grain products that are processed and packaged
contain components that inhibit the absorption of zinc,
making deficiency easy to develop.
Therefore, vegetarians may become zinc deficient,
and beyond that, if one has gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis or Leaky Gut Syndrome,
zinc deficiency may develop.
In particular, because zinc requirements increase in line with the rapid growth of infants, toddlers, and children,
Zinc deficiency can occur, so mothers should especially make sure to look after this.
Zinc deficiency also appears in women who regularly take contraceptive pills.
(This is related to the concept of the Drug Mugger — 드럭머거(Drug Mugger) — which holds that drugs deplete the nutrients inside our body.)
Besides that, temporary zinc deficiency can also occur in cases of acute or chronic diarrhea.
4. Deficiency Symptoms
Zinc deficiency impairs various biochemical functions.
Since zinc is involved in nucleic acid and protein synthesis, as well as iron metabolism,
deficiency can result in growth delay, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and decreased immune function.
Wound healing may slow down, and hair or nails may become weak.
In addition, resistance to infections decreases,
which can lead to increased frequency of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
There is quite a lot of content, so let's take a short break here.
In the next post, I plan to cover the side effects of zinc, product selection, and how to take it.
I'll be back soon 🙂
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