Zinc
[Zink]Zinc [Zink]
Zinc is an essential mineral for a wide range of physiological functions, including immune support and healthy tissue development.‡
Nutrient Description
Zinc is a trace mineral in your body, meaning your body requires a small amount of it. But with zinc, a little goes a long way. Zinc is found in cells throughout your body and plays an active role in keeping you healthy and well. It is required by close to 100 enzymes to support essential chemical and cellular reactions.1,2
Zinc is a constituent of over two dozen enzymes involved in digestion and metabolism, including carbonic anhydrase, which is vital to tissue respiration.3
Zinc is essential for the healthy storage and metabolism of carbohydrates and the absorption and function of B vitamins.4
It has an important role in supporting your body's defense system, promoting healthy neutrophil, natural killer cell and T-lymphocyte function.5
Zinc plays a fundamental role in collagen formation and healthy tissue development. This mineral contributes to healthy prostatic function and is essential for normal fetal and reproductive development.6,7
It is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes and many biological processes, including DNA and protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression, neurotransmitter synthesis and nutrient utilization.8
Your body does not make zinc and cannot store zinc, so it is important to consume zinc through food or supplements.9‡
Benefits of Zinc
The benefits of zinc include:
- Supports immune system function‡
- Promotes reproductive health and normal fetal development‡
- Enhances digestion and metabolism of important vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients‡
As a nutrient, zinc is an ingredient that performs essential functions in your body. Other examples of nutrients include vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, essential amino acids and fiber. Obtaining adequate amounts of each nutrient is essential for good health.‡
Where to find Zinc Naturally
Zinc is available naturally in a range of foods and beverages including:9
- Oysters (these have more zinc per serving than any other food)
- Beef and chicken
- Seafood including crab and lobster
- Legumes, seeds, and nuts including baked beans, pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas, almonds, and kidney beans
- Whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals
- Dairy products including yogurt, milk, and cheese
Please note that the phytates in grains, legumes, cereals and other plant sources may limit the absorption of zinc, but these foods are still good sources of this trace mineral.9
Zinc is also available in supplements including gummies, capsules, chewables and liquid.
Zinc is in the following Pure Encapsulations Product
‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
1 Zinc, The Nutrition Source (Accessed June 27, 2022) https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/zinc/
2 Zinc, Fact Sheet for Consumers (Accessed June 27, 2022) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/
3 Kim J, et al. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2014 Feb;157(2):101-6
4 Huskisson E, et al. J Int Med Res. 2007 May-Jun;35(3):277-89
5 Meksawan K, et al. Anticancer Res. 2014 Jan;34(1):295-9
6 Sadighi A, et al. Saudi Med J. 2008 Sep;29(9):1276-9
7 Sur D, et. al. Pediatrics. 2003 Dec;112(6 Pt 1):1327-32
8 Nowak G, et al. Pol J Pharmacol. 2003 Nov-Dec;55(6):1143-7
9 Zinc, Fact Sheet for Professionals (Accessed June 27, 2022) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/