What is zinc vitamin used for?

You might think that zinc is a metal used to make batteries or as an anti-corrosive agent in welding. But little did you know, it’s also a vital nutrient we need for maintaining good health.

Zinc is an essential mineral required in small amounts by the human body for numerous physiological functions. It’s necessary for growth and development, immune function, wound healing, cell division and differentiation, DNA synthesis, protein metabolism and gene expression (1).

In this article, we’ll dive into what exactly zinc vitamin is used for – but beware! There are some puns ahead that’ll make you roll your eyes like you just saw your dad dancing at a wedding!

The Benefits of Zinc

Here are some key benefits of getting enough zinc:

Boosting Immune Function

Whether it’s fighting off colds or keeping infections at bay (including COVID-19), our immune system needs adequate levels of zinc to stay strong (2).

Enhancing Wound Healing

No one likes to be injured but if cuts or scrapes happen (and they will) – having sufficient intake or topical application of this micronutrient can help speed up the recovery process (3).

Supporting Cognitive Function

Foggy brain got ya down? Research suggests taking supplemental doses of zinc may have positive effects on mood disorders such as depression and anxiety [insert citation]. Perhaps ‘brain food’ really does exist!

Aiding Digestion

Tired of feeling uncomfortable after eating? Good news: Zinc plays a crucial role in digesting carbohydrates which means less indigestion discomfort when consuming those Carbo loaded yum-yums!

Now let’s take a closer look.

How Does Zinc Work?

Okay folks here comes the science bit…

Zinc works by acting as co-factors with various enzymes involved in many processes throughout the body. Specifically, it interacts with more than three hundred different proteins as well as being needed to correctly “fold” many other important molecules within cells (4).

Some of these processes include:
– Regulating gene expression
– Controlling neurotransmission
– Improving heart health by its effect on blood lipids levels and blood pressure

Wow! Talk about a super mineral! It’s not just good for one specific thing!

How Much Zinc Do We Need?

Zinc, like many essential minerals, is required in trace amounts – which means we don’t need much. But how much should you be taking? Well, that depends on your age and sex.

For men, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been set at 11mg per day while women require less at around 8 mg per day [insert citation]

Keep in mind though excessive consumption can also have negative consequences such diarrhoea and copper deficiency especially when zinc is supplemented without professional guidance [insert citation].

Where Can I Find Zinc?

If you’re looking for foods rich in zinc then look no further!

Here are some common examples:

Shellfish

Shellfish is king when it comes to providing those all-important nutrients – yet unlike real royalty this part of the seafood family isn’t usually accompanied by exorbitant price tags. Scallop dishes anyone?

Legumes

Beans beans good for your…zinc intake! Whether ya take ’em canned or fresh (mind outta gutter folks), eating legumes will give you a boost of this essential micronutrient.

Egg yolks

Yolks – Sunny side up please because eggcellent news guys; vitamin D AND zinc come together here!

Other dietary sources could include red meat and poultry but let’s face it food variety is the spice of life – hello French fry Fridays!?

In conclusion, despite being overlooked at times (or is that overzooked?), Zinc vitamin appears to play a vital role in many aspects of our health. Make sure you’re getting sufficient amounts and keep up the fight against sudden bouts of indigestion.

With that said, we’ll be signing off now! We hope this article’s zinc puns made you grin rather than make you ‘anti-roll’ your eyes. Either way, let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

References

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307852/

(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28256107/

(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25573272/

(4) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/#en16