Let's Talk About Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for health. It is best known for its role in supporting the immune system, but has many effects in the body and plays a vital role across multiple body systems. A few key roles zinc has in the body include:

Supporting the production of HCL, bile and digestive enzymes. This aids in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. Zinc is mostly found in meat sources and as a result, vegan/vegetarians who don’t supplement zinc or make it up in their diet can develop low stomach acidity and enzyme deficiency. This can lead to bloating, SIBO and an array of digestive issues.

Zinc is essential for the development of the central nervous system, including the formation and function of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, DNA and growth factors. Zinc is a Dopamine re-uptake inhibition, and can be useful in depressive states. It has a role in the normalisation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and low zinc status can result in a hyperactive stress response. Zinc also has a role in the sleep cycle, aiding in sleep maintenance. A deficiency in Zinc can lead to a wide range of mental health disorders and imbalances in the nervous system.

Zinc is needed for wound healing and skin health. As such it is very indicated with skin conditions such as acne, exczema and psoriasis.

Zinc is a potent anti-oxidant, has anti-inflammatory actions by reducing nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), TNF-alpha and interleukin-beta, and is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity such as neutrophils and natural killer cells. This makes it a crucial element in optimal immune function.