Why Is Zinc So Important?

Going Gluten Free is Only a Part of the Healing Process…

Dr. Osborne here,

A gluten free diet is essential to heal, but often times not enough.  Zinc deficiency is rampant in the gluten sensitive population, and is a common reason why many who embark upon a GF diet don’t fully recover.  Zinc is necessary to control inflammation, repair damaged tissues, support healthy immune response, and aid in the digestive process.  Keep reading to learn why zinc is so essential.

Why Is Zinc So Important?

This essential mineral plays a major role in human health and wellness.  Zinc aids and contributes to the proper regulation of:

• Immune function – zinc helps the thymus gland in your neck produce healthy fighting immune cells.  In addition, zinc is necessary to form antibodies.
• Antioxidant status – zinc runs one of the most powerful antioxidant enzymes in the body – SOD.
• Fertility – zinc helps females produce healthy eggs.  It is also responsible for production of testosterone and plays a big role is sperm function.
• Skin maintenance – zinc is responsible for helping the proteins in skin maintain healthy elasticity.
• Digestive Enzyme Production – it is necessary to help produce the enzymes that aid in the digestion of foods.
• Insulin Regulation and Blood Sugar Control – this mineral is the “centerpiece” of insulin.  Without it, blood sugar problems can ensue.
• Maintenance of Healthy Hair – it play a role in protein production of strong hair and nails.
• Prostate Health & Testosterone Balance In Men

Additionally, zinc has been shown to play important roles in cellular energy production, hormone regulation (thyroid, insulin, growth hormone, as well as prolactin).  Without this mineral taste and smell, detoxification, night vision, vitamin A metabolism, bone growth, and muscle maintenance are all compromised.   The 5 most common symptoms of zinc deficiency are shown in the image to the right.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

Aside from the 5 most common listed above, low zinc can manifest as:

• Reduced or slow healing from cuts or bruises
• White spots on the fingernails
• Problems with fertility
• Rashes on the skin (dermatitis)
• Night blindness
• Loss or reduced ability to taste and smell
• Persistent and recurring infections (cold, flu, urinary tract, and respiratory)
• Depression
• Failure to grow or thrive in children (delayed puberty or sexual maturation)

Are You At Risk for Deficiency?

Because zinc is primarily absorbed in the small intestines, diseases that affect them can increase the risk for loss.  These conditions commonly include, infection, diarrhea, and IBS.  If you have a history of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you should be especially concerned.  Recent research demonstrates that as many as 67% of those with gluten issues have low zinc levels.  It is thought that the gluten induced damage to the intestine leads to an interference with absorption.  In addition, the inflammation associated with intestinal tissue damage increases the demand for zinc to aid in the healing process.

Pancreatic problems can also put you at risk for deficiency. Athletes can also be at risk as they require antioxidants in larger quantities to support and maintain high intensity exercise.  Zinc is also lost through excessive sweating.  Pregnant women should monitor their zinc levels as the growing fetus requires higher levels of zinc for proper development.  A simple self test for zinc deficiency is to look for white spots on the fingernails (see picture on the right).  This finding, also referred to as leukonychia, is a common side effect of zinc deficiency.

Dietary Sources of Zinc

Zinc is primarily found in animal based foods.  Those following a vegetarian diet are at greater risk for developing a deficiency.  Some of the richest food sources for zinc are lamb, beef, asparagus, chard, spinach, mushrooms, scallops, oysters, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, turkey, shrimp,  and green peas.

Not All Forms or Formulations of Zinc are Created Equally

There are a variety of forms of zinc used in common over the count supplement preparations.  Some are better absorbed and recognized by the body than others.  The following forms of zinc have limited benefit:

• Zinc Acetate
• Zinc Oxide
• Zinc Sulfate

What makes Dr. Osborne’s formulation superior?

I formulated Ultra Zinc with both picolinate and citrate forms for superior absorption.  In addition, active vitamin B6 and magnesium are added as vital cofactors to improve zinc’s functionality in the body.  This formula is free from all sources of grain.  No MSG, corn, zein, dairy, wheat, yeast, or GMO ingredients.

The label is full disclosure.  That means absolutely no fillers, binders or other hidden ingredients are present that are not on the label.  Each tab contains 25 mg of pure elemental zinc.  Unlike other formulations that list the dose as a combination of zinc plus the binder.