Tag Archives: zinc

Zinc and Other Health Issues

When you think about zinc, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? A vitamin slogan? A cold remedy? For a lot of people, zinc is one of the first things they turn to when a cold is brewing. However, different studies on zinc and the common cold have had different outcomes. One study from the Cleveland Clinic found that zinc didn’t make a difference for muscle aches and fever, but did cut the duration of a cold by half. Another study looked at different types of zinc lozenges used for treating colds — zinc gluconate vs. zinc acetate. In … Continue reading →

Zinc Deficiency

When the body isn’t taking in enough zinc — or zinc isn’t being absorbed in the right amounts — it is possible to develop a zinc deficiency. What are the signs of zinc deficiency? Growth retardation including delayed sexual maturity Hair loss Loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, and other gastrointestinal issues. Skin and eye lesions Delayed wound healing Problems with smell and taste Mental lethargy Some people are at higher risk of a zinc deficiency than others, including: Vegetarians. The body tends to absorb less zinc from plant foods than from animal sources. If you are following a vegetarian … Continue reading →

Why Does My Body Need Zinc?

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in nearly every cell in the human body. What does zinc do? Zinc stimulates enzyme activity — enzymes promote chemical reactions in the body. Zinc helps support the immune system. Zinc helps heal wounds. Zinc helps the body maintain the senses of taste and smell. Zinc supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. Zinc is used for DNA synthesis. The good news is that zinc is found in a wide variety of foods. Eating a wide variety of foods can ensure that you get all the minerals and other … Continue reading →

Be Careful With Zinc — Especially During Cold Season

Think zinc is the answer to all your seasonal cold problems? Think again! Zinc supplements can help boost your immunity, but there is a down side. A recent joint study between American and European researchers found that there may be a link between zinc and age-related macular degeneration. Eye deposits in people over sixty with age-related macular degeneration contain high levels of zinc! So overdosing yourself with zinc in order to ward off a cold may cause vision problems later in life. More research into the exact source of the zinc in eye deposits is underway. Zinc supplements may or … Continue reading →