Why a Zinc Supplement?

Your body needs Zinc

Zinc's ability to strengthen the body's natural defenses and help it fight infection, make it an essential supplement for today's busy lifestyle.

• Zinc is fundamental for the healthy working of many of the body's systems.
• Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral which acts through more than 200 zinc dependant enzymes in the body. It is essential as a catalyst, an essential component of DNA and RNA, vital for a variety of hormonal activities, brain development and improved immunity.
• Dr. D Bryce-Smith, in an excellent article in Chemistry in Britain, 1989, states the following:
  "Evidence is now emerging that the deficiency of the essential micronutrient zinc is endemic in the UK and many other countries, and is the key factor in a surprising number of disorders of physical and mental health."

• Zinc has a wide range of functions. It is essential for cell formation, bone development, metabolism, digestion and detoxification, and normal repair of tissue. But Zinc also plays a crucial role in growth and cell division where it is required for protein and DNA synthesis, in insulin activity and liver function.
• Zinc is also involved in the body's enzymatic reactions, and in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and energy. It is a mineral which is present in most body tissues, in particular the thyroid, pancreas and reproductive organs; it actually plays an important part in fertility, growth and reproduction.
• Zinc also promotes the healing of skin wounds - something recognised centuries ago by the ancient Egyptians who reportedly used it in a salve on burns.
• It has been found that taking zinc improves the body's natural resistance to infection. In fact, there is a growing body of evidence that Zinc is vital for overall health, since it not only helps to alleviate colds and flu, but also has been found to stimulate the body's natural healing process.
• Apart from strengthening the immune system, Zinc is responsible for assisting with over 200 Zn dependant enzyme functions in the body. It has long been known that Zinc deficiencies can not only cause loss of taste and appetite, but can also result in hair loss and discoloration, skin problems (including acne) and fatigue.

Zinc and Growth

• Zinc is required for growth in general. A deficiency slows the replication of cells and impairs the metabolic process involved in growth, maturation and repair of normal tissue

Zinc and Reproduction

• Even marginally low maternal zinc levels is one of the factors shown to cause low birth weight, abortion and congenital malformations. Zinc is essential for male fertility and normal sperm structure and function.

Zinc and the Brain

• Zinc is essential for the maturation and function of the nervous system, including the brain. Zinc has also been associated with disorders of thought, mood, learning ability and behavior. Examples are depression, including post-natal depression, stress, schizophrenia, anorexia, Alzheimer's disease and many other conditions.

Zinc and Immunocompetence

• Zinc is an essential component of an efficient immune system. Zinc has useful antiviral, antibacterial, anti-radiation and anti-cancer properties. Stress increases the excretion of Zinc and further aggravates the problem of suppressed immune response.
• Seeing that immunity in the child is developed during late gestation and early lactation, many researchers have concluded that lack of adequate dietary zinc during these critical periods can lead to marked long-term immunodeficiency.