Zinc as a supplement

Zinc is an essential nutrient which promotes the immune system and healthy metabolism. It has a significant role in smell and taste as well as eye health, growth, and wound healing, thyroid functioning, protein and DNA synthesis, blood clotting and much more.

Because of all of this it is common for people to turn to zinc supplementation when they are sick, because of all the various aspects of health zinc is important for it seems logical to try and get your daily intake dose. Some research has shown that zinc can play a role in alleviating symptoms of a cold and lessen its duration.

Zinc is naturally consumed through food, red meat, fish, seafood and clams contain the most amount of zinc. Eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts and whole grains also contain zinc.

Zinc deficiency is uncommon, but this nutrient is key for human health and the body doesn’t produce it on its own, this means that people with restrictive diets, nutrient absorption problems or other health issues may be susceptible to zinc deficiency.

Some of the main symptoms of zinc deficiency are:

• A weak immune system
• Exhaustion
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Disturbed sense of taste
• Dry skin
• Diarrhea
• Slow wound healing

Because zinc plays a role in many aspects of health, its absence can have wide implications. Zinc deficiency can affect the health of one’s skin, bones, digestive, reproductive, nerve and immune systems.

If you consume enough zinc through your diet supplements aren’t necessary for you most probably. If you suspect you might have zinc deficiency, we advise you to visit a doctor, blood analysis can determine if, and in what amount, you might need zinc supplementation.

Oral use of zinc supplements has been shown to be safe over time, while intranasal use has shown a possibility of unwanted damaging effects on the sense of smell.

Zinc supplementation can have unwanted effects on other medications such as antibiotics or penicillin, usually lessening their effectiveness. Regarding zinc supplementation in these cases, you should consult with a doctor to better understand the specifics of your case.

Office of Dietary Supplements - Zinc. (n.d.). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

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