Zinc

What is Zinc?

Zinc is an essential nutrient needed for normal bodily functions. Our body can’t make zinc, so we have to rely on eating foods that contain it, like eggs, meat and seeds, to make sure we get enough. However, the amount of zinc we get from our diet varies, and sometimes you might not get enough. This can lead to a zinc deficiency, which can cause problems like poor wound healing, hair loss and decreased immunity.

Taking zinc supplements can help increase the levels of zinc in your body, helping to keep it healthy and well-functioning. This can be especially useful if you’re pregnant or lactating, or vegetarian, or vegan, as you’ll be at a higher risk of deficiency. So by taking one supplement a day, you can improve your skin health, immunity and more.

How do Zinc tablets work?

Zinc plays an important role in maintaining a range of bodily processes. So without enough, some of your bodily functions can worsen. Zinc is involved in:

• Wound healing - Platelets are cells that form clots on your skin to repair it after an injury. Zinc enhances the activity of platelets, making wound healing more efficient. It also increases the production of immune cells for tissue growth and repair.
• Skin health - Many studies have found a zinc deficiency can worsen eczema symptoms. This is because it's involved in the production of filaggrin, a protein needed for the formation of your skin's barrier. Without zinc, your skin barrier can’t work as well.
• Insulin regulation - Zinc plays an important role in insulin regulation. It helps with insulin storage, secretion and production. Although a zinc deficiency doesn’t directly cause diabetes, many studies have found low levels of zinc in people with diabetes.
• Fighting infections - Zinc has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can inhibit the growth of many microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, which causes many skin infections and pneumonia.

In addition to the above processes, it can help reduce diarrhoea, improve mood, decrease the risk of cancer and lower blood pressure.

Is taking Zinc dangerous?

Under normal circumstances, taking zinc supplements isn’t dangerous. But, as with all medicines, taking too much can cause side effects. These include nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Additionally, excess zinc can interfere with the absorption of iron and copper, which could lead to anaemia. But for it to be harmful, you would have to take about 40mg a day.

How to take Zinc

Take one tablet a day, with a glass of water (preferably with a meal, to avoid an upset stomach).

Don't take more than 25 mg a day. If you accidently take too much, seek medical attention. If you forget to take a dose, skip it and take the next tablet at your usual time. Don't take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How long does Zinc take to work?

Zinc is absorbed into your bloodstream within hours, but it may take weeks or even months to take full effect. When taking zinc, it’s not likely that you’ll notice huge differences in your health. But that doesn’t mean it’s not working in the background to keep your body’s processes ticking over. Most supplements require long-term use to see the full benefits.