All of us have zinc in our bodies. It is one of the essential elements that the human body needs in trace quantities. The good news is that those who follow a balanced diet and have a healthy digestive system can easily maintain a healthy level of zinc in their bodies. But if not, taking these supplements is the solution.

If you want to know how important zinc is for the proper functioning of the body, look at the fact that this mineral is the second most abundant mineral in the body. Second only to iron. Researches that prove the effectiveness of this mineral are numerous. Therefore, the benefits of this mineral are agreed-upon facts. But some people, as they get older or due to some other conditions, lose the ability to maintain a healthy level of this mineral. When this happens, lots of things can go wrong and cause symptoms ranging from minor issues like weight gain to more serious health disorders like an inefficient immune system. Knowing more about zinc supplements can help you before you start shopping for them.

A guide to zinc supplements

The human body is a wonderful machine. All of its functions are precise and coordinated. Every part of it complements each other in a symbiotic way. Our responsibility is to maintain this balance by following a proper diet, exercising, and maintaining your health and beauty. But regardless of that, things go wrong sometimes, and we call them diseases. Lack or low amount of this mineral is a problem that has serious repercussions. Here is a basic guide to help you learn more about the benefits of these supplements and how you can use them.

Benefits of zinc supplements

It is a vital nutrient in the human body. The deficiency of zinc in the body can lead to a whole array of problems and diseases. It is inevitable in cellular metabolism. Without it, the catalytic activity of over a hundred enzymes will stop working, causing the body to go haywire. Apart from that, it also serves an important role in the functioning of the immune system, healing of wounds, synthesis of new DNAs, cell growth, and proteins synthesis. If not for this amazing mineral, fetal development during pregnancy, bodily development children, and adolescence will be affected. Because it can boost the immune system, the body will be able to fight better against diseases like cold and flu.

Zinc deficiency

This is no joke. There are a lot of telltale signs of its deficiency in the body. If any children are experiencing retarded growth, lack of appetite, and have a weak immune response, there is a high chance of deficiency. But in extreme cases of deficiency, there will be more severe symptoms, that will be hard to cure without addressing the underlying mineral deficiency. Severe deficiency can result in impotence, delayed sexual development, and hypogonadism. Besides, they might also experience hair loss, eye and skin problems, and diarrhoea. The problem with some of these symptoms is that they are easy to confuse with other diseases.

When should you take zinc supplements?

Doctors prescribe supplements as a treatment for deficiency in the body. This is the most important and primary usage of supplements. Apart from this, there is evidence to suggest taking supplements for treating acne, anorexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, common cold, diaper rash, etc. are effective. The supplements are also effective to treat diarrhoea in children with deficiency and Wilson disease, which causes excess copper accumulation in the body, including the eyes. Zinc and magnesium tablets are popular among athletes and bodybuilders. They are believed to boost muscle performance and metabolism when taken together. Some claim that a combination of zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin B6 can increase the levels of testosterone in the blood and improve the recovery time after workouts.

Side effects of zinc supplements

The recommended dosage of supplement without prescription is no more than 40 mg per day. If you are having a serious deficiency, you might want to take more than that. But do not take a dosage of more than 40 mg per day without consulting a doctor. Even if it is less than 40 mg, continuous usage of supplements without the advice of a doctor can be harmful. Taking it in more than what your body requires will result in a reduction in the absorption of copper by the body, which will result in copper deficiency. Taking high doses of supplements on a daily basis can increase the risk of prostate cancer. When you are using zinc-based ointments on the skin, take care not to apply them directly on broken skin and wounds. Otherwise, it can cause burning and skin irritation.

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