Benefits Of Zinc

Although zinc is an essential mineral you need to consume in your diet, its pervasive significance in health has been a recent discovery, according to Linus Pauling Institute. Zinc plays a role in an array of chemical reactions that take place each day in your body and involve nerve function, growth and development, immunity and reproductive capabilities. These are good reasons to meet the daily requirement for zinc. Animal products are high in zinc, and for vegetarians, nuts and beans are good sources.

Proper Immune Function

Zinc plays an important role in the proper function of your immune system. Specifically, it helps your immune system defend your body from invaders, including bacteria and viruses, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. If you are zinc-deficient, your immune system may not function properly, leaving you susceptible to infectious agents. This can result in conditions as common as a cold, to pneumonia and other serious ailments. Taking zinc lozenges may help speed your recovery from colds, but more research is needed on this effect.

Good Vision

Gradual vision loss is common in the elderly and may be due to a condition known as age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. According to the ODS, elderly individuals in a large study who took a supplement containing 80 mg of zinc in addition to other nutrients for six years had less vision loss than those who did not take the supplement. If you have or are at risk of developing AMD, talk to your doctor to determine whether supplementation is right for you.

Growth and Repair

Your body also requires zinc to make protein and DNA. DNA is the genetic blueprint of your cells, encoding for the proteins that your body needs for proper growth and development. During infancy, childhood and pregnancy your cells are dividing at rapid rates, and getting enough zinc is crucial. Your body also uses zinc-dependent mechanisms to heal wounds, and for the proper function of the senses of taste and smell.

Deficiency

A lack of zinc is unusual, because it is abundant in a wide variety of animal and vegetable foods. Most cases of zinc deficiency are due to rare genetic disorders, according to Vinay Kumar, M.D. in the book "Pathologic Basis of Disease." However, if you suffer from frequent colds, you may be lacking in adequate zinc intake. Men should consume 11 mg a day of zinc and women should aim for 8 mg a day. If you are pregnant or lactating, your requirements are from 11 mg to 13 mg a day.