Zinc is an essential trace element for human health. It is found in all parts of the body. It is vital for growth, vision, the immune system, hair, skin and nails. Zinc deficiency is the fifth leading risk factor for causing disease in children, according to the International Zinc Association. Zinc used in liquid form absorbs into the system faster than taking tablets or gel caps. It is used to boost the immune system, for fertility, to treat acne and to support normal growth in pregnancy.
Immune System Enhancer
Zinc helps you heal. It is a mineral involved in wound healing, according to the Mayo Clinic.com. Severe deficiencies of zinc depress the immune system. Zinc deficiencies have been associated with increased susceptibility to infections and pneumonia in children in under developed countries, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Acne Treatment
Liquid zinc is an effective treatment for acne vulgaris, according to the National Institutes of Health. A 2010 study by the Department of Dermatology at Maulana Azad Medical College in India found zinc used as a nutritional supplement reduced the number and size of acne lesions. It was even more effective when combined with a topical zinc cream. Zinc is safe and effective with no known side effects.
Fertility
Zinc deficiency may contribute to infertility, notes the Mayo Clinic.com. Liquid zinc may help improve sperm quality and increase male fertility. A 2005 study by the Department of Urology at First Affiliated Hospital, Yat-sen University in China studied 38 men with male infertility with chronic prostatitis, MICP. The group taking the zinc had increased zinc concentration in the semen, increased semen liquefaction and semen motility. They concluded that zinc is an effective treatment for MICP.
Pregnancy Supplementation
Pregnant women are at greater risk for zinc deficiencies partly due to high fetal requirements, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Lactation can also reduce the amount of zinc in new mothers. This is why the Recommended Daily Allowance for zinc is higher for pregnant women.
Too Much Zinc
High amounts of zinc can be toxic. Zinc toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and headaches. High doses may also affect some aspects of urinary physiology, according to the National Institutes of Health. The daily recommended dose for zinc is 5 mg for children seven to 12 months old, 7 mg children one to three years old, 12 mg for ages four to eight, 23 for ages nine to 13, 34 for ages 14 to 18 and 40 mg for adults over 19. Always consult with your physician before taking any dietary supplement.
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