Deficiency of zinc in the human body can be warded off by supplementing it with your regular diet. Read on, to know more about zinc vitamin supplements.
Zinc is an essential mineral for maintaining the bodily micro-functions at their maximum. Hundreds of enzymes depend on it for discharging their functions. It also helps the body in carrying out numerous biological processes such as metabolism, wound healing and DNA synthesis. It is utilized in joints and tissues, and is a major contributing factor in the growth of body cells. No wonder the lack of foods high in zinc affects the body. A way to overcome this situation is to acquire zinc through the use of supplements.
Benefits of Zinc Vitamin
An individual may have to face ill effects of zinc deficiency, if its intake is not up to the satisfactory level or its loss from the body is more than its intake. The supplements are also necessary when the body is not able to absorb dietary zinc efficiently in required amounts or there is an increase in requirement which is not being met.
The following is a list of a few conditions in which a doctor may prescribe supplements:
- Benefits for Men: Men who are deficient in zinc suffer from impotence. It is found that its supplements help in eliminating sexual dysfunction. It also helps in boosting sperm production.
- Vitamin C: Strenuous physical training may lead to the production of free radicals of oxygen and more than normal amount of hormone Cortisol. It also affects the mobility of T-lymphocytes in the blood. Cortisol is a known immune system depressant and free radicals of oxygen can cause harm to the immune system cells. Vitamin C is provided in zinc supplements to act as an anti-oxidant and neutralize the free radicals. It also stimulates the T-lymphocytes and helps in restoring the function of the immune system.
- Vitamin A: In association with vitamin A, zinc is useful for maintaining healthy skin.
- Blood Sugar Balance: Insulin helps in transportation of sugar to the body cells. In adequate amounts, it is necessary for maintaining this function.
- Metabolic Rate: The food we consume is converted in to energy through the process of metabolism. Its deficiency affects the function of the thyroid glands which in turn affects the metabolic rate. The rate at which this process is carried out also depends on its availability.
- Taste and Smell: The deficiency leads to partial loss of sense of smell and taste. The protein, called Gustin, which enables to sense taste and smell works better in the association of zinc.
- White Blood Cell: T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells, relies on the availability of zinc for their development and activation. Its supplementation results in the improved number of T-lymphocytes and immune response.
- Relation to Pregnancy: Such a condition can affect the growth rate of the fetus. Providing supplements to the mother can help in resolving this deficiency. These supplements are also essential for any lactating mother, as she continues to lose it through lactation.
- Deficiency in Children: This can lead to serious problems. One of the symptoms is dwarfism. Sexually, these children are slow to mature.
- Age-related Macular Degeneration: One of the advantages is that it helps in decreasing the rate of age-related macular degeneration and loss of vision.
- Cold: Some entities are making a claim that zinc lozenges or a spray consisting of zinc gluconate are effective in reducing the time span of a cold.
- Diseases: Individuals suffering from diarrhea, digestive disorders such as sprue, Crohn’s disease and short bowel syndrome are deficient. It can also be seen in individuals who have gone under the knife during a gastrointestinal surgery. These individuals should seek the help of dietary supplements, strictly under medical supervision.
The overall benefits are many, however, they should be used only when a doctor recommends to do so. It must be noted that zinc overdose for a prolonged period may lead to side effects such as problems of the immune system and prostate cancer.
