All About zinc
- Author: Medical Content Writer
- Publish Date: August 9 in 2024
What is zinc?
Zinc is a vital nutrient that the body can’t produce on its own, so you need to get it daily from food or supplements.
What role does zinc play in the body?
Zinc is the second most abundant trace mineral in the body after iron, and it is present in all cells.
The zinc metal assists in the function of over 100 different enzymes in the body. Zinc plays a fundamental role in cell growth and proliferation, as well as in repairing damaged tissues—especially the skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, zinc is involved in the production of various proteins, DNA synthesis, and supporting immune system function.
Since zinc aids in cell growth and proliferation, ensuring adequate zinc intake is particularly important during periods of accelerated growth and repair—such as childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. Interestingly, one of the key enzymes responsible for proper taste and smell perception depends on zinc, meaning a zinc deficiency may reduce your sense of taste or smell.
What Are the Benefits of Adequate Zinc Intake?
- Maintaining optimal zinc levels ensures proper repair of damaged tissues—including skin, hair, nails, and gastrointestinal mucosa. This effect is particularly significant in wound healing, burns, and acne treatment.
- Zinc contributes to skin, hair, and nail health by playing a vital role in cell proliferation, repair, and growth.
- Zinc improves skin inflammation and acne symptoms by reducing inflammation, inhibiting acne-causing bacterial growth, and decreasing sebaceous gland activity.
- Maintaining adequate zinc levels helps shorten the duration of infectious illnesses like colds and diarrhea by boosting immune function.
- Additionally, zinc helps prevent retinal degenerative eye diseases that develop with aging.
How is Zinc Obtained?
Zinc is typically obtained through a varied diet, especially by consuming meats, eggs, nuts, and legumes. Therefore, individuals with restricted diets, those who have poor absorption due to digestive issues or indigestion, or those who require more zinc (e.g., during growth stages or with wounds and damaged tissues) are at risk of zinc deficiency. These individuals can meet their zinc needs through supplements.
Groups at Higher Risk of Zinc Deficiency:
- Vegetarians or those reducing meat intake (due to lower zinc bioavailability from plant-based foods)
Individuals with indigestion, malabsorption, or inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
Alcohol consumers (alcohol impairs zinc absorption and increases excretion)
Those who’ve undergone gastrointestinal or bariatric surgery (reduced nutrient absorption)
People with sickle cell anemia (increased zinc demand and loss)
Individuals with Wilson’s disease (a genetic disorder causing copper overload, treated with zinc therapy)
Pregnant or breastfeeding women (higher zinc requirements for fetal/child development)
FollicoGen, Meeting Your Skin and Hair's Nutritional Needs
Folicogen (Folicogen) is a specialized supplement for skin, hair, and nails. Folicogen sustained-release tablets contain vitamins B6, B5, E, D, and folic acid, minerals (zinc, selenium, and copper), and amino acids L-methionine and L-cysteine in sufficient amounts.
This supplement is specifically designed and used for the following purposes:
-
Prevention and treatment of hair loss caused by improper diet or malnutrition
-
Improvement of hair and nail growth and health
-
Prevention and treatment of malnutrition caused by other medications or improper diet
-
Improvement of skin repair and skin health
Some common misconceptions about zinc
Some people believe that zinc causes weight gain. This is a misconception. Numerous studies have shown that zinc itself is not fattening and has no effect on weight, body mass index, waist circumference, or hip circumference. Research indicates that zinc improves metabolism, helping restore appetite and normal growth and weight gain in children and individuals suffering from malnutrition.
Often during colds and illnesses, antibiotics and zinc supplements are prescribed and taken together. Concurrent use of certain antibiotics (such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones) with zinc supplements reduces the effectiveness of both. The optimal timing for taking these antibiotics is 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after zinc supplementation.
“The more zinc a supplement contains, the better it is” – this is a false and dangerous belief. The maximum allowable daily intake of zinc is 40 mg, which can be obtained through food and supplements, unless a doctor prescribes a higher dosage. Excessive consumption carries the risk of zinc toxicity.
