Should you take a zinc supplement?
Zinc is a trace mineral that doesn’t get given the recognition it deserves. Zinc is involved in over 100 different enzyme reactions in the body. It is present in all body tissues, organs and fluids.
As Zinc is involved in so many processes zinc deficiency can result in various ways such as:
- Loss in taste and smell – this can be restored once better zinc levels are achieved
- Delayed wound healing
- Growth and development depend on good zinc levels, especially during pregnancy
- Extremely important for immune function – Studies show zinc has an antiviral role
- Digestive malabsorption issues – Zinc helps our body to produce stomach acid as well as can keep our mucosal surface along our digestive track in better health to absorb nutrients
What foods are zinc found in?
Some examples include:
- Oysters – This has the highest amount of food zinc – 12 oysters will give you a therapeutic dose of zinc
- Beef
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Liver
- Lamb
- Pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds
- Egg yolks
How do I know if I am zinc deficient?
You can do a blood test to see where your zinc levels are at. You can also do a zinc tally taste test, although this is not definitive in zinc deficiency, it can give you a guide as to whether you need more zinc or look at blood testing. The zinc taste test can be an option for young children over a blood test.
What zinc supplement should I take?
If you are zinc deficient and need a zinc supplement, the best form to take is zinc citrate to get the zinc into the cells. This is the most absorbed form of zinc followed by zinc glycinate.
Steer clear of zinc oxide in internal supplements. This has poor absorption internally. BUT… it is great to use as a natural sunscreen as it blocks the sun’s UV rays very effectively. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in natural sunscreens.