Zinc
Benefits of Zinc
- Immune system
- Skin
- Hair and nails
- Bones
- Protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Cell division
- Form: Citrate
- Food source: Nuts and seeds, lentils, beans, chickpeas, whole grains and dark chocolate.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in a wide range of vital bodily functions. Severe Zinc deficiency is rare. Zinc and Copper are closely linked in the body: high intakes of Zinc can reduce how much Copper is absorbed, which is why the two are often balanced together.
What does Zinc do?
Zinc is crucial for our immune system: Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and it affects the immune system in multiple ways. Zinc is central to the normal development and function of 'neutrophils' and NK ('Natural Killer') cells, which are part of our innate immunity. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that are often the first to arrive where the immune system is active, and NK cells respond later. Zinc is needed for the regulation and maturation of neutrophils and NK cells. Researchers have described Zinc as a gatekeeper of immune function, and have also looked at Zinc as an essential micronutrient and its wider roles in the body.
Zinc also has antioxidant activity, and Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the state of having too many 'free radicals' (unstable molecules that can damage cells). Some immune cells release reactive chemicals when they come into contact with a pathogen (a germ), which is one reason the balance of oxidation matters to the immune system.
Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis, which is needed for normal DNA replication, and has a role in the process of cell division. Each time a skin cell divides, it needs Zinc to copy its DNA. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair, nails and bones.
You may be interested in reading 'What does Zinc do to your skin?', 'The truth about collagen' and 'IBS explained'.
Selenium
Selenium is an important mineral for the immune system. It also helps maintain healthy hair and nails and is necessary for the use of Iodine in thyroid hormone function.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for our immune health, wound healing and for the health of our skin through its central role in collagen production and supporting blood vessels feeding our skin.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient which our body doesn’t produce, so we need to gain it in our diet. It supports a range of functions from our nervous and immune systems to the healthy colour of our hair.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Inulin
Inulin is a gut-friendly fibre that helps friendly, active bacteria in your gut to grow. Inulin is a 'prebiotic', and prebiotics are vital to the health of probiotics.
Iodine
Iodine is an important mineral needed for the production of thyroid hormones, helping maintain the body’s metabolic rate, healthy skin and hair, and is crucial during pregnancy.
L-Glycine
L-Glycine is an amino acid that has a calming and regenerative effect, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, enhancing sleep quality, and reducing feelings of tiredness during the day.
Manganese
Manganese is an important trace mineral, like zinc, copper and iodine, meaning that our bodies require it in small amounts for a variety of crucial processes.
