Zinc is the most common trace mineral in the body after iron, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, and is present in every body cell. It is an essential mineral and can be obtained through the diet. Along with being an antioxidant and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, this mineral serves many other uses. A health care provider should be consulted before beginning zinc supplementation as too much can cause adverse affects.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that involves the degeneration of the macula, a part of the retina and can be related to aging. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Age Related Eye Disease Study found that individuals with age related macular degeneration could slow the disease's progression by taking zinc and other vitamins. Conflicting research has found that excess zinc is possibly related to the development of macular degeneration, says the University of Maryland, so more research is necessary for a definitive answer.
Immune System Functioning
Zinc plays an important role in immune system functions. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, even mild and moderate deficiencies in zinc can negatively affect natural killer cell activity and white blood cell functions. According to the Office of Dietary Functioning, zinc is necessary for the body to develop and activate T-lymphocytes in the immune system and low amounts of zinc have been linked to increased susceptibility to illness and infections in children in developing countries, as well as the elderly. Getting adequate amounts of zinc is crucial for proper immune functioning.
Normal Bodily Functioning
The human body needs adequate amounts of zinc for everyday functioning. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that this mineral contributes to normal reproduction, growth, taste, vision, smell, blood clotting and insulin and thyroid functioning. It also helps maintain the skin and mucosal membranes and aids the body in wound healing, says the Office of Dietary Supplements. According to the University of Maryland, zinc has also been shown to speed up healing of gastric ulcers and reducing symptoms of oral herpes lesions.
Shortening the Duration of Colds
Along with immune system functioning, zinc may also reduce the duration of the common cold, although the research is mixed. The Office of Dietary Supplements states that zinc may help reduce inflammation and inhibit rhinovirus binding and replication in the nasal mucosa, but this has not been proven. There are zinc lozenges, gels and sprays for the common cold and while these may help some individuals, they may not help others. Talk to a health care provider to see if these are safe to try before you use them.
Member Comments