Zinc - Health Benefits

Introduction

This section outlines the biological function of Zinc and the health benefits of supplemental Zinc.

Aging Process

 It has been speculated that intracellular Zinc deficiency may be a primary underlying cause of the Aging Process.  ^[1]

Cardiovascular System

 Zinc may help to prevent Atherosclerosis.  ^[2]

 Zinc deficiency may increase the risk of Dilated Cardiomyopathy.  ^[3]

 Zinc concentrates in the Heart.

 Zinc may reduce the severity of Sickle-Cell Anemia.  ^[4]

Cells

 Zinc is involved in the structure and function of Cell Membranes:  ^[5]

 Zinc is an essential component of Ion Channels.  ^[6]

 Zinc deficiency may result in damage to Chromosomes.  ^[7]

 Retarded Growth may occur as a result of Zinc deficiency:  ^[8]

 Zinc deficiency may cause Dwarfism.  ^[9]

Digestive System

 Most Celiac Disease patients are deficient in Zinc and supplemental Zinc may help to counteract this deficiency.  ^[10]

 Crohn's Disease patients are often found to be deficient in Zinc and supplemental Zinc (25 - 50 mg per day) may help to restore the integrity of the Intestines in Crohn’s Disease patients.  ^[11]

 Excessive quantities of Zinc may be excreted from the body during Diarrhea (indicating that it may be advisable to use supplemental Zinc during bouts of Diarrhea).  Diarrhea is one of the symptoms of severe Zinc deficiency.  ^[12]

 Zinc may be useful for the treatment of Gastroenteritis.  ^[13]

 Zinc may alleviate Heartburn. 

 Zinc may be useful for the treatment of Hypochlorhydria (due to its role in the production of Hydrochloric Acid).  ^[14]

 Zinc may help to reverse Intestinal Permeability.  ^[15]

 Zinc may enhance the digestive functions of the Pancreas. 

 Zinc may improve various aspects of (acute) Pancreatitis.  ^[16]

 Zinc may accelerate the healing of Ulcers - Peptic - especially Ulcers - Gastric.  ^[17]

Ears/Hearing

 Zinc concentrates in the Cochlea of the Ear (the highest concentration of Zinc in the human body is found in the Cochlea and Vestibule of the Ear).  ^[18]

 Zinc may help to prevent Otitis Media.  ^[19]

 Zinc (Zinc Sulfate form) may alleviate some cases of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Deafness).  ^[20]

 Zinc may help to prevent Hearing Loss - Age-Related (possibly by facilitating the production of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)).  ^[21]

 Zinc may alleviate some cases of Tinnitus.  ^[22]

Electromagnetic Radiation

 The Zinc Oxide form of Zinc is a component of many of the "colored" Sunscreens (and is increasingly being used in traditional transparent sunscreens) - it is capable of blocking more UV-A Radiation than most other Sunscreen active ingredients.

Excretory System

 Body Odor may occur as a result of Zinc deficiency. 

 Zinc may help to prevent Diabetic Nephropathy.  ^[23]

 Zinc may eliminate Foot Odor (possibly by causing the Skin of the feet to become more resistant to the Detrimental Bacteria that cause Foot Odor).  This claim is based on anecdotal reports. 

 Zinc (as a constituent of oral Mouthwashes or Toothpaste) may alleviate Halitosis (by reducing the quantity of volatile Sulfur compounds in the breath).  ^[24]

 Zinc may help to prevent Bed Wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis) in children. 

 Zinc may alleviate the Male Dribble form of Urinary Incontinence. 

Eyes/Vision

 Zinc (80 - 100 mg per day) may inhibit the degeneration of the Macula that is integral to the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and may help to prevent loss of vision in ARMD patients.  ^[25]

 Zinc (Zinc Aspartate form) may retard the further progression of Cataracts.  ^[26]

 Night Blindness may occur as a result of Zinc deficiency (due to Zinc’s role in the activation of Retinol Dehydrogenase - the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Retinal to Retinol).  ^[27]