Zinc is a trace mineral men need for cellular metabolism, growth and development, immune stimulation, nerve function and reproduction. Zinc is found in a variety of foods, such as vegetables, legumes, shellfish, meat and dairy products. A dietary deficiency can lead to genetic, reproduction, bone and behavioral problems. Consult your doctor about the importance of zinc in men's health.
Healthy DNA
Zinc plays a vital role in protecting DNA from damage. DNA, also called deoxyribonucleic acid, is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions your body uses for development and functioning of cells and proteins. Research by scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, and published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in August 2009 found that changes in dietary zinc intake in healthy men affect single-strand breaks in DNA and that zinc is a critical factor for maintaining the integrity of DNA. The results of the research demonstrates that dietary zinc depletion is associated with increased breaks in DNA strands in blood cells in healthy men and that zinc supplements ameliorate DNA integrity.
Fertility
Zinc is important in sperm production and fertility. Research by scientists at the University of Mazandaran in Babolsar, Iran, and published in "Nutrition Research" in February 2009 found that low zinc levels in semen are associated with infertility. The results showed that the higher the zinc levels in semen, the higher number of sperm cells and fertility potential in men.
Bone Health
Zinc assists enzymes that produce protein's part of collagen and bones. Men who do not consume sufficient amounts of zinc may increase the risk of bone loss. Research by scientists at the University of California-San Diego and published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in September 2004 found that dietary zinc deficiency and low blood levels of zinc in men are associated with bone loss. The results demonstrate that dietary intake of zinc is associated with bone mineral density.
Behavior
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects men and is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, thought and movement disorders and difficulty paying attention and enjoying pleasure. Deficiencies of zinc in schizophrenic men can increase the risk of criminal behavior. Research by scientists at Firat University in Elazig, Turkey, and published in the September-October 2003 issue of "Archives of Andrology" found blood levels of zinc are lower in criminal schizophrenics compared with noncriminal schizophrenics. Of the patients with criminal activity, 70 percent perform violent crimes and 30 percent perform nonviolent crimes.
References
- Linus Pauing Institute; Zinc; Emily Ho, Ph.D.; February 2008
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Dietary Zinc Restriction and Repletion Affects DNA Integrity in Healthy Men; Yang Song, et al.; August 2009
- "Nutrition Research"; Zinc Levels in Seminal Plasma Are Associated with Sperm Quality in Fertile and Infertile Men; Abasalt Hosseinzadeh Colagar, et al.; February 2009
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Zinc Intakes and Plasma Concentrations in Men with Osteoporosis: The Rancho Bernardo Study; Taisun Hyun, et al.; September 2004
- National Institute of Mental Health; Schizophrenia; 2010
- "Archives of Andrology"; Blood Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Criminal and Noncriminal Schizophrenic Men; M. Tokdemir, et al.; September-October 2003
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