What it is: Zinc is an essential trace mineral found throughout the body. Because the body cannot make or store large amounts of it, zinc must come regularly from food or supplements.
What it does: Zinc helps activate more than 300 enzymes involved in immune function, cell division, DNA synthesis, wound healing, and the senses of taste and smell.
How it is used: Zinc is commonly used for immune support, healthy skin and hair, and to help restore low zinc intake. It is also important during periods of growth and recovery, when the body needs it for normal tissue repair and cell development.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Oysters, other shellfish, red meat, dairy, seeds, legumes, and whole grains provide zinc. Common supplemental forms include zinc gluconate, picolinate, citrate, and sulfate in capsules, tablets, and lozenges.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Zinc provides a key micronutrient for immune defenses, tissue repair, normal growth, and enzyme activity, making it especially useful for people whose diet or life stage may leave them short of zinc.
What to know before use: High zinc intake can cause nausea or stomach upset and, over time, can interfere with copper absorption. Long-term high-dose use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
What it does: Zinc helps activate more than 300 enzymes involved in immune function, cell division, DNA synthesis, wound healing, and the senses of taste and smell.
How it is used: Zinc is commonly used for immune support, healthy skin and hair, and to help restore low zinc intake. It is also important during periods of growth and recovery, when the body needs it for normal tissue repair and cell development.
Natural sources and supplement forms: Oysters, other shellfish, red meat, dairy, seeds, legumes, and whole grains provide zinc. Common supplemental forms include zinc gluconate, picolinate, citrate, and sulfate in capsules, tablets, and lozenges.
Why it appears in supplement formulas: Zinc provides a key micronutrient for immune defenses, tissue repair, normal growth, and enzyme activity, making it especially useful for people whose diet or life stage may leave them short of zinc.
What to know before use: High zinc intake can cause nausea or stomach upset and, over time, can interfere with copper absorption. Long-term high-dose use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Interesting Fact
Oysters: Nature’s Top Source of Zinc
Zinc is widely found in foods, but oysters pack more zinc per serving than any other food—just two oysters can provide over 100% of your daily requirement. This trace mineral has roles in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body, making it vital for everything from supporting taste and smell to cell growth and repair.
