Zinc is an essential mineral for good health, as it helps cells to replicate, and is therefore required for physical growth and development and play an important role in immune function to fight infections.
Zinc may also contribute towards:
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Normal wound healing,
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Healthy protein synthesis
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Normal ability to taste and smell
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Healthy cognitive function
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Maintenance of hair, skin and nails
Zinc requirements increase during periods of high demand, for instance, infants, children, adolescents and pregnant and lactating individuals. As a result, these individuals are at an increased risk of zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency may present as delayed growth, impaired immune function, loss of appetite and hair loss.
Zinc is plentiful in the human diet, however absorption is where the struggle lies in many individuals. Zinc from animal proteins, primarily shellfish and red meat, is more bioavailable that from plant sources, such as seeds and beans, as they contain phytic acid which prevents absorption in the small intestine. As a result, following a vegetarian or vegan diet can reduce zinc status in the body. The human body is highly intelligent and zinc-deficient individuals absorb this element with increased efficiency, whereas humans on a high-zinc diet show a reduced efficiency of absorption.
Zinc can be introduced in various forms through supplementation, zinc is combined with a molecule such as bisglycinate, picolinate or l-methionine, each providing increased absorption. An added benefit of bisglycinate is that it may be gentler on the stomach than other zinc supplements.
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