Your body needs a certain amount of zinc to function properly, helping to support a healthy immune system, metabolism and wound healing, along with many other functions. Zinc may also have other roles as well, and if you have a health condition such as thyroid disease, you may want to talk to your doctor about the possible benefits of zinc. Your doctor can also test your blood to ensure that you have an adequate intake of the nutrient.
Thyroid
Your thyroid gland sits in your neck, just below your voice box. This gland produces hormones that aid in many processes throughout your body. If the glands produce too much of this hormone, you have a condition known as hyperthyroidism, a condition that can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, weight loss, vision problems and infertility. A thyroid gland that does not produce enough hormones results in hypothyroidism. This condition may cause symptoms that include weight gain, depression, fatigue and changes in menstrual cycles. Untreated or prolonged abnormal levels could result in worsening of symptoms and other health complications.
Link
Research does not indicate that zinc can treat thyroid dysfunction. However, a 2010 study by researchers at Ufuk University Medical Facility in Ankara, Turkey, discovered a link between zinc and thyroid levels. The study showed that patients with normal zinc levels also had normal thyroid levels. High and low zinc levels correlated with high and low levels of thyroid hormones. Although researchers will continue to evaluate and examine this discovery, in theory at least, it appears that maintaining a healthy intake of zinc could help you avoid thyroid problems.
Intake
The average adult requires between 8mg and 11mg of zinc each day, and children require between 2mg and 8mg depending on age. Your doctor can help you determine the appropriate zinc intake you require, considering factors such as medications and supplements you take each day, as well as your overall diet and health.
Food sources of zinc include a 3-ounce serving of cooked beef shank, which offers nearly 9mg of zinc, and a 3-ounce serving of cooked pork shoulder, providing more than 4mg of zinc. Other sources of zinc include oysters, lobster, cashews, chickpeas, milk and kidney beans.
Considerations
If you do not have an adequate zinc intake via your diet your doctor may recommend a daily supplement. You should not begin using supplements without first consulting your doctor since too much zinc, or any other nutrient, could result in complications. Talk with your doctor if you have high zinc levels to determine a diet that will reduce your zinc intake while still providing you with other, necessary nutrients.
