Zinc is Vital for a Healthy Immune System

We take it specifically to fight off Coronavirus.

by Dodie Dennis, Retired RN

Zinc, with tonic water, in our household is the #1 supplement we use to defend ourselves against Coronavirus.

It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and is well known for its role in a healthy immune system. Zinc is a component in over 200 enzymes. It works within the cells to block viral replication. Zinc can be a very strong antiviral, but it works best if you have it built up in your system.

Zinc plays a role in :

Immune support (zinc decreases the occurrence of infection in the elderly)
Wound-healing
Zinc is necessary for eggs to develop into healthy embryos
Healthy prostate gland
Increased sperm production
Cellular growth and repair
Creation of collagen
Bone strength
Cognitive function
Digesting food and breaking down carbohydrates
Producing insulin and using glucose.

Zinc Deficiency

Although severe zinc deficiency is very rare in developed countries, it is believed that many individuals in the United States have a marginal zinc deficiency, especially in the elderly population. Severe deficiency in zinc is known to cause a host of health problems

Severe immune dysfunctions
Growth retardation in infants and children
Stunted brain development if insufficient zinc is taken during pregnancy
Cognitive impairment
Delayed sexual development in adolescents
Impotence in men
Prostate enlargement

Zinc deficiency may also cause other symptoms such as:

Appetite loss
Decreased ability to taste food
Diarrhea
Eye and skin sores
Hair loss
Weight loss
Problems with wound healing
Lowered alertness

Conditions Predisposed to Zinc Deficiency

These conditions cause decreased intake of zinc:

Acute infections/inflammation
Alcoholic cirrhosis
Alcoholism
Anorexia nervosa
Burns
Post-trauma
Protein deficiency
Vegetarian diet
Starvation.

These conditions cause decreased absorption of zinc:

Alcoholism
Celiac disease
Chronic blood loss
Diabetes mellitus
Diarrhea
High fiber diet
High dietary calcium:zinc ratio
High dietary iron:zinc ratio
Inflammatory bowel disease
Intestinal Resection
Liver disease
Pancreatic insufficienc.

These conditions cause increased requirement of zinc:

Old age
Pregnancy and lactation
Oral contraceptive use
Growth spurts and puberty

Zinc Benefits Many Conditions

Zinc has been used to treat many health conditions, such as:

Prevention of blindness in patients with age-related macular degeneration
Treatment of common cold
Improved immune system and wound healing
Acne
Alzheimer’s disease
Diabetes
Male sexual function
Pregnancy
Rheumatoid arthritis

Top Sources of Zinc

The human body can’t store zinc, so you need to consume these zinc-rich foods daily to meet your daily requirements.

Here are the top 15 foods that contain zinc:

Oysters – 16.6 mg of zinc per 100 g
Hemp seeds – 9.9 mg of zinc per 100 g
Sesame seeds – 7.8 mg of zinc per 100 g
Pumpkin seeds – 7.64 mg of zinc per 100 g
Cocoa powder – 6.81 mg of zinc per 100 g
Beef – 6.31 mg of zinc per 100 g
Cashews – 5.78 mg of zinc per 100 g
Flax seeds – 4.34 mg of zinc per 100
Oatmeal – 4 mg of zinc per 100 g
Dark chocolate – 3.31 mg of zinc per 100 g
Peanuts – 3.3 mg of zinc per 100 g
Almonds – 3.12 mg of zinc per 100 g
Kidney beans – 2.6 mg of zinc per 100 g
Chickpeas – 1.53 mg of zinc per 100 g
Garlic – 1.16 mg of zinc per 100 g (8)

There are many forms of zinc to choose from. While many clinical studies have utilized zinc sulfate, this form is not as well absorbed as other forms: Zinc picolinate, acetate, citrate, bisglycinate, oxide, or monomethionine are all excellent forms of zinc.

There is data to support each of these forms as being very well-absorbed and able to produce benefits. Most zinc lozenges are made with zinc gluconate, which appears to be an effective form for this application.

The US RDA for zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women per day. When zinc supplementation is being used to address specific health concerns, the dosage range is 30 to 45 mg for men; 20 to 30 mg for women.

Zinc has been used therapeutically at a dose of 150 mg/day for months and in some cases for years. However, zinc can prevent iron absorption, leading to iron deficiency and possible peripheral neuropathy, with loss of sensation in extremities. So zinc and iron should be taken at different times of the day.

Believe me when I say I’ve done the research–years of it. Vitamins, supplements and healthy foods are a passion for me. We are confident in recommending Green Pasture as our primary source for natural products.

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