Zinc is an essential trace element or micronutrient - in fact, every single living cell in our body requires zinc, as it is part of literally hundreds of metabolic and chemical processes that go on every day.

You may have heard that zinc helps you fight colds and flu, but in fact its health benefits are even more far-reaching. For example, zinc may help to:

• Boost the Immune System
  When taken at the first signs of cold and flu, zinc can reduce the severity and duration of the disease. Scientists think that this is due to its ability to destroy the flu virus.
  
  Zinc can also help boost your immune system to fight canker sores, sore throats, skin wounds, psoriasis, and more. It seems to help your body heal and recover after an infection.
  
  
• Fight Acne
  Zinc's ability to help your body fight acne is a clear example of its benefits for skin health. It seems that in addition to boosting the immune system, zinc can reduce inflammation and help promote healthy hormone levels.
  
  
• Help Vision
  Zinc supplements have been shown to slow down vision loss in people with vision problems such as macular degeneration. Scientists are finding evidence to support zinc's role in boosting the effectiveness of vitamin A and helping the retina and macula of the eyes function properly.
  
  
• Control Diabetes
  Zinc can improve the levels of insulin, a hormone that is required for the cells to uptake glucose or sugar from the blood. Impairment of insulin functions can lead to diabetes. People with diabetes or with high blood sugar can manage their disease more effectively by taking a zinc supplement.
  
  
• Promote Healthy Bone and Protect Against Osteoporosis
  Zinc, especially when taken with copper, can help promote mineral absorption that keeps bones healthy and prevent fractures and other complications. It also plays a role in maintaining collagen, which in turn helps strengthen the bone and the connective tissue.
  
  
• Promote a Healthy Prostate
  There is preliminary scientific evidence that zinc may help reduce an enlarged prostate and relieve its symptoms (such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, and increased urge to urinate).
  
  
• Promote Healthy Hair
  Zinc is one of the elements required for a healthy hair growth - indeed, zinc can help prevent hair loss and brittleness, and even maintain hair color by helping promote the production of melanin pigment in the hair.
  

Select Scientific References

• Siweks MS, et al. The role of zinc in the pathogenesis and treatment of affective disorders. Psychiatr Pol. 2005; 39(5):899-909.
• Cuevas LE and Koyanagi A. Zinc and infection: a review. Ann Trop Paediatr. 2005; 25(3):149-60.
• Oteiza PI and Mackenzie GG. Zinc, oxidant-triggered cell signaling, and human health. Mol Aspects Med. 2005; 26(4):245-55.
• Schwartz JR, et al. Zinc and skin health: overview of physiology and pharmacology. Dermatol Surg. 2005; 31(y Pt 2): 837-47.
• Frederickson CJ, et al. The neurobiology of zinc in health and disease. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2005; 6(6):449-62.