Zinc plays an important role in your body!
Zinc is an essential trace mineral which is necessary for the synthesis of hundreds of essential proteins in your body. Apart from that it also contributes to normal acid-base metabolism, the metabolism of carbohydrates, macronutrients, fatty acids and vitamin A.
Zinc also plays an important role in contributing to the normal function of the immune system, normal cognitive function, protects the cells against oxidative stress, has a role in cell division and affects fertility and reproduction.
Zinc, like all essential minerals, isn’t stored in the body, so it needs to be ingested daily, either through many food sources or with supplements.
Do you ingest enough zinc?
Zinc is represented especially in oysters, meat, seafood, legumes, nuts and various seeds.
A tolerable upper daily intake of Zinc is 25 mg, which can be consumed by eating**:
But of course, rather than eating 1.5 kilo of bread, it’s much easier to take 1 capsule with 25 mg of zinc and cover all your daily needs in a convenient way.
Some plant-based foods contain phytic acid, which inhibits zinc absorption, causing some of the zinc that we ingest to not get absorbed and used. People following plant-based diets, like vegetarians and vegans, therefore, require up to 50% higher zinc intake than non-vegetarians. **
Another group of people highly susceptible to zinc deficiencies are the elderly. 35 – 45% of adults over the age of 60 have low zinc intake**. When our bodies are zinc deficient, we can’t produce new, healthy cells.
What causes zinc deficiency?
Zinc deficiency can develop in any person, regardless of their age, social status or dietary habits; however, it most commonly arises when:
- zinc intake is suboptimal (like on a plant-based or unvaried diet)
- zinc absorption is hindered (by digestive disorders, increased alcohol intake)
- zinc requirements are elevated (pregnancy, lactation)
It is estimated that over 50% of people globally have inadequate zinc intake.**
Symptoms of zinc deficiency
Symptoms of mild zinc-deficiency can be diverse and unspecific, due to zinc’s wide involvement in metabolic processes. However, the most common symptoms of zinc deficiency include:
- poor appetite
- lowered immunity
- slow wound-healing
- having trouble concentrating
- feeling down
- diarrhoea
- hair loss
- acne
- loss of taste or smell
Who needs zinc supplements?
Groups with the highest risk of developing zinc deficiency and people who could highly benefit from taking 25 mg of zinc daily are:
Vegans and vegetarians – plant-based diets can have higher levels of phytate which reduces zinc absorption, so the daily requirements for zinc can be up to 50% higher in vegans and vegetarians.
People over the age of 60 – older age is often associated with poor nutrition and zinc-deficiency, which can exacerbate the age-related decline in immune function.
Men and women planning to conceive – zinc contributes to normal fertility function in men and women, has a role in the process of cell division and DNA synthesis.
Pregnant women – during pregnancy, the body’s need for zinc also increases.
Active people – excessive sweating leads to more zinc being excreted, increasing the need for its intake.
Zinc supplements contribute to:
- Normal function of the immune system
- Normal cognitive function
- Optimal cell division and their protection against oxidative stress
- Normal metabolism
- Normal fertility and reproduction
Why Sensilab Essentials Zinc?
Common forms of zinc supplements (zinc gluconate) have lower bioavailability and absorption.
Sensilab Essentials Zinc is in chelated form (zinc bisglycinate), which has superior bioavailability to all other forms (meaning it has a 43% higher absorption**) and has a higher efficacy!
The small, easy to swallow capsules contain 25 mg of zinc, representing 250% of your daily needs.
Compared to other forms of zinc, zinc bisglycinate is more pH stable and has fewer gastrointestinal side effects, increased tolerability and safety.
