Alternative Titles: Health Effects of Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral fundamental to hormones, fertility, and connective tissue. It is one of the most common functional deficiencies, like Vitamin D and magnesium, where most do not present with overt inclinations of deficiency but would benefit immensely from incorporating more zinc rich foods into their diet or taking a zinc supplement.

Here are some sequenced facts and practical information on zinc for health and overall performance pursuits.

Benefits of Zinc

• Increases Testosterone (In Males)
• Increases Fertility
• Increases Antioxidants
• Increases Thyroid Hormone (T4 To T3 Conversion)
• Muscle Relaxant
• Reduces Stress & Anxiety
• Decreases Cortisol
• Promotes or Deepens Sleep
• Reduces Inflammation
• Reduces Acne
• Reduces Rosacea or Redness
• Improves Dry Skin
• Increases Antioxidant Status
• Reduces Oxidative Stress
• Makes Skin More Youthful
• Soothes The Nervous System
• Helps Protect Eyes
• Supports Vision
• Decreases Prolactin
• Decreases Estrogen
• Supports Dopamine Production
• Improves Metabolism
• Increases Energy
• Supports Endurance & Stamina
• Enhances Recovery Rate
• Supports Muscle Growth

Being an essential trace mineral, its only natural that zinc would benefit or have have a role in many different functions, systems, and pathways. Since all of these would disappear with a zinc deficiency, it stands and then some, even if seemingly a bit absurd or repetitive.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

• Diarrhea
• Dry Skin
• Acne
• Low Testosterone
• Infertility
• Brain Fog
• Poor Mental Clarity
• Poor Sleep
• Fatigue
• Xerosis
• Restlessness
• Lack of Stamina
• Poor Muscle Growth or Recovery
• Weak Consitution
• Stress
• Restlessness
• Dry Eyes
• Depression or Low Mood

Foods High In Zinc:

• Oysters
• Beef
• Shrimp
• Lamb
• Liver
• Red Meat
• Pumpkin Seeds

Supplement Forms:

– Zinc Bisglycinate (Best)
– Zinc Picolinate (Good)
– Zinc Citrate (Good)
– Zinc Gluconate (Good)
– Zinc Oxide (Bad)

Considerations & Side Effects

Zinc competes for absorption with copper, and decreases copper levels in the body. Excessive zinc supplementation can thus cause a copper deficiency, and most zinc supplements carry a warning for this now. Too much zinc or for too long can cause copper deficiency, without an adequate or ‘compensatory’ intake of copper in the diet.

Concept Art