Many industrial processes don't get the attention they deserve because of the zinc element. Humans have been using zinc for hundreds of years, and archaeologists have found zinc artifacts that date back to 300 B.C. Zinc is important to healthy nutrition. It is one of the most complex and versatile trace elements in our diet, and not getting enough of it can lead to a lot of health problems.

For a long time zinc's importance to life sciences was ignored. In 1961, zinc was recognised as essential for human health, and we still don't know what its role is in our body.

What science says about zinc and its potential health benefits, as well as the best sources of zinc and signs of potential deficiency, will be discussed here.

Why do we need zinc?

Before it was discovered, zinc was discovered. The inventor of a process to extract sugar from beets discovered how to make zinc by heating carbon and calamine. Marggraf was credited with the discovery even though other European researchers had already done it. William Champion had patented the process.

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Immunity

Our immune system is dependent on zinc. According to the journal Advances in Nutrition, zinc is essential to fighting off viruses, and zinc- deficient people are more likely to get infections like HIV.

Malaria is one of the infectious diseases zinc is used to treat. According to the Molecules and Cells (opens in new tab) journal, this is because it helps regulate the activity of immune-boosting white blood cells.

Antibodies destroy a virus infected cell.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Zinc has been shown to play a role in the development of obese people. Researchers are interested in the recently discovered zinc-related adipokine, zinc-2-glycoprotein. Inflammation and chronic diseases can be caused by a type of cell signaling that is released by fat. Excess body fat lowers blood concentrations of zinc and ZAG, which in turn leads to the development of Obesity. ZAG levels in the body appear to be regulated by zinc.

A study has found that zinc reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in overweight people. The production of leptin has been shown to be affected by ZAG.

Cardiovascular health

Zinc deficiency has been linked to heart failure, hardening of the veins, and heart attacks according to a review published in the cardiology in review. Zinc is involved in regulating inflammation and blood pressure.

The Journal of Cardiac Failure states that zinc may improve heart function in patients with heart failure. The European Journal of Nutrition states that increasing the intake of this micronutrient can help reduce systolic blood pressure but not the diastolic blood pressure.

Brain health

Proper brain function depends on zinc. It is abundant in many parts of the brain and is involved in sensory processing. Zinc deficiency has been linked to a host of pathological conditions with both acute and chronic effects on brain function.

the vagus nerve connecting the gut-brain axis

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Gut health

It's possible that zinc is essential to gut health. According to the International Journal ofMolecular Sciences, zinc may increase the number of gutbacteria. Alterations of gut microbiota caused by zinc metabolism have been linked to a number of diseases.

According to the journal, zinc-fortified foods may help increase the populations of beneficial Lactobacillus and Ruminococcusbacteria strains.

Skin health

The skin is the third most zinc-abundant tissue in the body. There are zinc transporters that have been linked to skin diseases like acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Zinc can help with skin problems. Studies suggest it may be used in the treatment of the skin conditions ofAcne and Eczema.

  • Related: Vitamin E
  • Related: Selenium

Bone health

Rear view shot of the highlighted joints in a runner's foot

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Exercise recovery

It appears that zinc levels are related to exercising. According to a review in the Sports Medicine journal, zinc levels in the body go up immediately after exercise and go down during exercise recovery. Scientists think that trace mineral is related to muscle repair mechanisms.

Fertility 

There are real-world applications for the zinc fireworks.

Pregnancy 

It's important to maintain a good zinc status. zinc deficiency has been linked to adverse effects on maternal health and pregnant women, according to a review published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. Proper expression of genetic material is ensured by this trace mineral.

How much zinc do you need?

For men and women, the daily value is 11 and 8 respectively.

There is an allowance for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is 40 for all adults over the age of 19 Zinc supplements have been shown to have harmful health effects.

The Harvard School of Public Health has a list of signs of zinc toxicity.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Poor appetite
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Headaches
  • Diarrhea 

What are the best sources of zinc?

Animals have Zinc in their food. There are some plant foods that are good sources of this micronutrient. It's possible that phytates bind to zinc and lower its absorption in the gut.

Best sources of zinc were included.

  • Oysters: 52mg (472% DV) per 6 oysters / 61mg (555% DV) per 100g
  • Beef steak: 15mg (140% DV) per 5oz serving / 11mg (99% DV) per 100g
  • Chicken leg: 5mg (49% DV) per leg / 2mg (19% DV) per 100g 
  • Firm tofu: 4mg (36% DV) per cup / 2mg (14% DV) per 100g 
  • Lean pork chops: 4mg (32% DV) per 6oz serving / 2mg (19% DV) per 100g
  • Squash and pumpkin seeds: 3mg (27% DV) per 1oz handful / 10mg (94% DV) per 100g
  • Lentils: 3mg (23% DV) per cup / 1mg (12% DV) per 100g
  • Low-fat yoghurt: 2mg (22% DV) per cup / 1mg (9% DV) per 100g   
  • Oatmeal: 2mg (21% DV) per cup / 1mg (9% DV) per 100g 
  • Cooked Shiitake mushrooms: 2mg (18% DV) per cup / 1mg (12% DV) per 100g 

Oysters and lemon wedges on a patterned plate

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Can you be deficient in zinc?

It is rare for zinc to be deficient. It's usually seen in people who don't absorb zinc properly. The risk of developing deficiency can be increased by severe conditions such as burns and sepsis.

The symptoms of zinc deficiency include:

  • Loss of taste and/or smell
  • Poor appetite
  • Depressed mood
  • Decreased immunity 
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss

The article is not meant to give medical advice.

There are additional resources.