![]() ![]() Since zinc deficiency impairs your immune system - increasing the chances of infection - zinc deficiency is thought to cause over 450,000 deaths in children under 5 every year ( 26). It is estimated that around 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in zinc due to inadequate dietary intake ( 7). Milder forms of zinc deficiency are more common, especially in children in developing countries where diets are often lacking in important nutrients. ![]() Symptoms of severe zinc deficiency include impaired growth and development, delayed sexual maturity, skin rashes, chronic diarrhea, impaired wound healing, and behavioral issues ( 25). Zinc may effectively reduce inflammation, boost immune health, reduce your risk of age-related diseases, speed wound healing, and improve acne symptoms.Īlthough severe zinc deficiency is rare, it can occur in people with rare genetic mutations, breastfeeding infants whose mothers don’t have enough zinc, people with alcohol addictions, and anyone taking certain immune-suppressing medications. In a 2010 study in 40 older adults, those who took 45 mg of zinc per day experienced greater reductions in inflammatory markers than a placebo group ( 24). Oxidative stress leads to chronic inflammation, a contributing factor in a wide array of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and mental decline ( 23). Zinc decreases oxidative stress and reduces levels of certain inflammatory proteins in your body ( 22). Therefore, supplements may help reduce symptoms ( 21). People with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc. acnes bacteria, and suppressing oil gland activity ( 20). Studies suggest that both topical and oral zinc treatments can effectively treat acne by reducing inflammation, inhibiting the growth of P. May help treat acneĪcne is a common skin disease that is estimated to affect up to 9.4% of the global population ( 18).Īcne is driven by obstruction of oil-producing glands, bacteria, and inflammation ( 19). In fact, one 2007 study determined that 45 mg per day of elemental zinc may decrease the incidence of infection in older adults by nearly 66% ( 16).Īdditionally, in a 2013 study in over 4,200 people, taking daily antioxidant supplements - vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta carotene - plus 80 mg of zinc decreased vision loss and significantly reduced the risk of advanced AMD ( 17). Older adults who supplement with zinc in some older studies experience improved influenza vaccination response, reduced risk of pneumonia, and boosted mental performance ( 13, 14, 15). Zinc may relieve oxidative stress and improve immune response by boosting the activity of T-cells and natural killer cells, which help protect your body from infection ( 12). Zinc may significantly reduce your risk of age-related diseases, such as pneumonia, infection, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). May reduce the risk of certain age-related diseases While a zinc deficiency can slow wound healing, supplementing with zinc can speed recovery in people with wounds.įor example, in a 12-week study in 60 people with diabetic foot ulcers, those treated with 50 mg of zinc per day experienced significant reductions in ulcer size compared to a placebo group ( 11). In fact, your skin holds a relatively high amount - about 5% - of your body’s zinc content ( 10). Zinc is commonly used in hospitals as a treatment for burns, certain ulcers, and other skin injuries ( 10).īecause this mineral plays critical roles in collagen synthesis, immune function, and inflammatory response, it is necessary for proper healing. What’s more, some older research suggests that zinc supplements significantly reduce the risk of infections and promote immune response in older adults ( 9). Zinc supplements stimulate particular immune cells and reduce oxidative stress.įor example, a review of seven studies demonstrated that 80–92 milligrams (mg) per day of zinc may reduce the length of the common cold by up to 33% ( 8). ![]() Zinc helps keep your immune system strong.īecause it is necessary for immune cell function and cell signaling, a deficiency can lead to a weakened immune response ( 7). Research shows that zinc has numerous health benefits. ![]()
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