An essential trace element, zinc plays an important role in the human body. Even though it is only needed in minute amounts, zinc is a vital nutrient that is responsible for an array of functions. This single nutrient helps stimulate the activity of over 100 different enzymes in the body, making it an important nutritional supplement.
Zinc is an essential nutrient for maintaining health. Found in cells throughout the body, zinc functions in a variety of ways to stimulate immune function and fight infection. The nutrient also functions in manufacturing proteins and DNA in the body. Zinc is a nutrient that is needed throughout all life stages including conception, infancy, childhood, and adulthood.
Zinc is a nutrient that must be accounted for via diet and nutritional choices. A variety of different foods contain the supplement; however, oysters are the best source. Additionally, red meat, poultry, crab, lobsters, and fortified breakfast cereal contain some of nutrient. Beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products provide an adequate amount of the nutrient.
Zinc can also be found as an independent supplement as well as a component of many multivitamin/mineral supplements. It is most effective when taken in addition to calcium and magnesium.
One of the most important roles zinc plays is maintaining immune health. The nutrient activates the T lymphocytes in the body, which function to control and regulate immune responses as well as attack infected or cancerous cells.
As such, zinc can be used to treat a number of specific conditions. Diarrhea, stomach ulcers, acne, ADHD, herpes simplex virus, immune function, sickle cell anemia, and Wilson’s disease respond well to treatment with zinc. The nutrient can also be used to treat age-related macular degeneration, depressed appetite, bad breath, blood disorders, boils, burns, cancer, canker sores, celiac disease, cognitive disorders, the common cold, and a variety of other conditions.
Although it is a trace element, zinc is no less important than any other nutrient. This nutrient helps maintain regular function of the body and supports treatment of a wide array of health conditions.
