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inc is a trace mineral that has a critical role in maintaining structural and catalytic functions of more than 200 enzymes involved in major metabolic pathways, it is involved in nucleic acid metabolism, protein synthesis, and cell division. Zinc is the second most abundantly distributed element in the body after iron. Zinc has an important function in the immune system, connective tissue growth, bone mineralization, reproduction, growth, taste, vision, smell, blood clotting, insulin and helps with wound healing.

Zinc gluconate is the better-absorbed/ more bioavailable form of zinc. Zinc gluconate contains a zinc salt of gluconic acid that comprises two gluconic acid molecules for each zinc cation (2+).

 

WHAT ARE THE DIETARY SOURCES OF ZINC?

The best sources of zinc are red meat, fish, poultry, crab, and shellfish. Other good, though less likely absorbed sources of zinc include legumes, soybeans, peanuts, whole grains, mushrooms, pumpkin, sunflower seeds.

 

WHAT IS THE NEED TO SUPPLEMENT WITH ZINC?

Zinc is mainly obtained from animal foods, although legumes and cereals contain a moderate amount of zinc, only 20%-40% of the ingested metal is absorbed. The bioavailability of zinc in plant-based foods is generally lower because of the dietary fiber and phytic acid content which inhibit the absorption of zinc. Zinc supplements are the most convenient and assured way to meet the regular intake of zinc and to stay protected from deficiency symptoms.

Did you know? 1 standard serving (30mg) of zinc supplement provides zinc that you’d get from consuming approximately 100 cups of apricots.

 

ZENITH NUTRITION ZINC GLUCONATE

Zenith Nutrition Zinc Gluconate is a nutritional supplement containing the zinc salt form of gluconic acid for the purpose of providing elemental zinc. The highly bioavailable vegetarian dietary supplement provides 220mg of zinc gluconate with 30mg of elemental zinc per serving. The supplement is free of sugar, soy, corn, dairy, yeast, gluten, preservatives. It is manufactured in a GMP-certified unit and is suitable for men and women.

 

IS IT SAFE TO SUPPLEMENT WITH ZINC GLUCONATE?

Yes, Zinc Gluconate supplementation is recognized as safe by FDA.

 

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ZINC DEFICIENCY?

The general cause of zinc deficiency includes low dietary intake, heavy reliance on foods with little or poorly absorbable zinc. Inadequate intake, increased requirements, impaired utilization, malabsorption syndromes, inflammatory diseases of the bowel, resulting in poor absorption and loss of zinc which may lead to secondary zinc deficiency particularly in the presence of marginal dietary intakes. Older individuals have lower intakes of zinc which may arise due to inadequate mastication, drug interactions, altered intestinal absorption. Diets based on cereals and legumes and poor animal products may make it difficult to meet the zinc requirements because the high phytate content in legumes reduces the bioavailability of zinc.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ZINC DEFICIENCY?

Symptoms of zinc deficiency are nonspecific and tend to be linked to appetite loss, diarrhea, weight loss, white spots on the fingernails, alopecia, nail dystrophy, immune dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, feeling lethargic, acne formation on the skin, delayed wound healing, macular degeneration, abnormalities in bone growth, bone mineralization, certain neurological and psychological changes, stress.

 

WHO NEEDS TO SUPPLEMENT WITH ZINC?

Zinc supplementation is most suitable for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet in whom zinc absorption is lower and older individuals who may consume reduced caloric intake which may contribute to micronutrient deficiencies.

Supplementation with zinc may become necessary in conditions of alcoholism, diabetic mellitus, burns, eating disorders (anorexia), genetic disorders, celiac, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, short bowel syndrome, skin disorders, prolonged stress and prolonged trauma.

 

IS THERE ANY FOOD INTERACTION WITH ZINC SUPPLEMENTS?

Foods high in calcium like milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream may make it harder for your body to absorb zinc gluconate. Foods with bran, high fiber content, nuts, peanut butter and those containing phosphorus also interfere with optimal absorption of zinc. It is advised to separate the use of zinc from these products by at least 2 hours before administration.

 

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE ZINC SUPPLEMENT?

Zinc is advised to be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset.

 

ZINC HAS POTENT ANTIOXIDANT & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are important contributing factors for several chronic diseases attributed to neurodegeneration, cardiac disorders, and immunological disorders. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation increases plasma antioxidant power, decreases plasma inflammatory cytokines, protects against UV radiation, enhances wound healing and decreases relative risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Zinc competes with iron and copper ions for binding to cell membranes and increases the activation of antioxidant proteins, molecules, and enzymes such as glutathione catalase. Zinc reduces the activities of oxidant-promoting enzymes such as inducible nitric acid synthase (iNOS) and NADPH oxidase, zinc binds to sulfhydryl groups of biomolecules protecting them from oxidation.

 

ZINC REGULATES IMMUNE HEALTH

Inflammatory processes and aging can damage the DNA and affect multiple aspects of the immune system, including neutrophils, phagocytosis, cytokine production, and antibody production. Loss of zinc from biological membranes increases their susceptibility to oxidative damage and increases incidence of respiratory tract infections. Even mild to moderate degrees of zinc deficiency depresses immune function, impair macrophage, neutrophil functions, natural killer cell activity. Zinc supplementation increases interleukin (IL-2 and INFg) production. The ability of zinc to function as an antioxidant helps prevent the free-radical induced inflammatory process. Zinc supplementation is found to reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infection and may shorten the duration of common cold. Zinc activates T-lymphocytes and helps maintain good integrity of many body homeostatic mechanisms.

 

ZINC IS CRITICAL FOR HEART HEALTH     

Studies suggest a potential link between zinc deficiency and compromised antioxidant defenses that protect against cellular damage, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction. Adequate levels of zinc plays a key role in regulating heart muscle contractility, increases plasma antioxidant power, decreases plasma inflammatory cytokines. As per research, zinc levels are often significantly lower in people with conditions like atherosclerosis, heart disease, zinc deficiency is associated with cell death in heart tissues which is a predisposing factor for heart diseases. Zinc supplementation plays a role in down regulating atherosclerotic cytokines, superoxide dismutase and NADPH. Zinc down regulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), fibrinogen, and tissue factor (TF) through inhibition of NF-kB activation.

 

ZINC IMPROVES SKIN HEALTH

Zinc is an essential micronutrient which is present in all body tissues, in skin, it is 5 to 6 times more concentrated in the epidermis than the dermis. Zinc lessens the formation of free radicals, protects skin lipids and fibroblasts that make collagen. Zinc regulates inflammatory response, shortens the duration of skin healing, and prevents skin pores from clogging. Zinc influences aspect of wound healing, sebum secretion, from coagulation and inflammation to the remodeling of tissue and scar formation. Zinc helps to maintain the integrity of skin, mucosa membranes, cell production, cell turnover, produces enzymes and proteins that help protect against skin infections, prevent acne formation, actively protects fibroblast cell which are responsible for collagen production to support the structure of skin and reduce premature signs of aging.

 

ZINC IMPROVES COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE

Zinc supplementation restores plasma zinc levels leading to a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress which may positively affect central nervous system function. Zinc is crucial for brain development, over 300 enzymes, known as zinc metalloenzymes, depend on zinc for normal neuronal function. Zinc may modulate responses in receptors for various neurotransmitters, both excitatory and inhibitory including N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors. Zinc assists with communication among brain cells, improper communication can lead to brain fog (which is the general inability to think clearly). Low serum zinc levels are determined by studies to be strongly correlated with increased risk for depressed mood and neuronal damage.

 

ZINC HELPS MAINTAIN HEALTHY VISION

Owing to constant exposure to light and high metabolism, eyes are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage. Zinc deficiency has been investigated by studies to result in ocular manifestations. Zinc is found in ocular tissue, particularly the retina, which suggests that zinc supplementation could aid in retinal health. Zinc supplementation is needed for optimal metabolism of the eye, zinc plays a role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc ions are present in the enzyme, superoxide dismutase, which plays an important role in scavenging superoxide radicals which may damage health of the retina.

 

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7082716/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4429650/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3636409/