Zinc

What is zinc? Zinc is one of the many trace elements needed by not only humans, but all forms of life. There are many benefits of zinc received in the body, and these include better function of the neurological system, the reproductive system and the immune system. Without zinc, these do not function correctly, which can result in many illnesses or other health difficulties.

Among the many positive zinc facts, it is also important to note that it can interfere with other vitamins and minerals in the body. When taken in certain amounts over long periods, zinc can interfere with the way copper works in the body. Iron and calcium can both interfere with zinc and the way it works in the body. Since it is necessary for health to have a certain amount of zinc in the body, a zinc deficiency can have bad results. Symptoms of zinc deficiencies can include the following: skin rashes, immune system malfunctions, severe diarrhea, and slowed growth and development and sexual maturity. These are just a few of the symptoms of a zinc deficiency, and there can be many more with variances in severity, including psychosis related to zinc deficiency.

There are many benefits to be had by zinc not listed above, including the use of zinc for cataracts, zinc to treat acne, and more. Zinc for acne can be taken orally as well as in a topical cream, and most commonly the zinc used in acne treatment is in the form of zinc oxide. Another helpful variation of zinc is zinc citrate, and it has many uses for health as well.

There are many natural sources of zinc, including shellfish, oysters and some nuts. For those who do not obtain enough zinc through normal diet and nutrition, there are a variety of types of zinc available in supplemental form. Some of these are available on their own, and zinc is in some supplements along with other vitamins and minerals. Zinc toxicity is not very high in normal amounts, but zinc overdose can occur. However, an overdose of zinc usually only occurs due to a contamination of food or beverages. If a zinc overdose is suspected, the most common symptoms will be abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Unless this type of acute zinc poisoning occurs, however, it isn’t common for an overdose of this trace mineral to occur. Instead, daily amounts are set rather high when compared to many other trace mineral limits, and zinc is one of the more safe ones.