Zinc The Small Supplement with a Big Job
Did you know that the mineral, zinc is needed in small amounts every day in order to maintain health? You may know zinc as a mineral that can decrease the duration and severity of colds and for it’s benefits towards male fertility but it is responsible for so much more. Zinc is a mineral co-factor involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions
- Zinc helps with hormone production, RNA /DNA synthesis and intercellular signaling, growth and repair
- Zinc plays a pivotal role in immune health. A systemic review found that supplementation could potentially reduce the length of the common cold by 2.25 days.
- According to the “National Institute of Health” zinc may slow the progressive of age-related macular degeneration.
- Zinc may help speed up wound healing by reducing the inflammatory response and activated the immune cells at the area of injury
- Zinc may help clear up acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and it’s ability to decrease oil production
- Individuals with diabetes may be at higher risk for a zinc deficiency
- Supplementing with zinc may positively affect blood pressure by lower systolic pressure
Did you know even a small deficiency can pose negative affects to your health that may fly under the radar.
- Zinc Deficiency symptoms
- Cravings for salty or sweet foods
- Changes in taste and smell
- Changes in eye health
- Hair loss
- Infertility (in men)
- Frequent colds and flus
- Poor concentration
- Slowed ability to heal wounds
- Recurring skin infections or irritations (rash, acne)
Foods High in Zinc
- Oysters
- Crab & Lobster
- Red Meat and Poultry
- Mushrooms and Kale
- Legumes
- Pumpkin Seeds & Pine Nuts
- Some Whole Grains
- Milk & Dairy
- Dark Chocolate!
NOW Solutions L-OptiZinc® is a form of Zinc complexed with the amino acid Methionine. Research has demonstrated this product to be better absorbed and retained longer compared to several other forms of Zinc tested. High zinc intake may lead to lowering of copper stores in the body. Therefore, this formula is balanced with copper to prevent declining levels.