Zinc

Essential for human health

Zinc is essential for our health. The trace element plays a role in a variety of metabolic processes: it is involved in the function of around 300 enzymes in cell metabolism and is contained in 50 enzymes. For example, it is important for protein synthesis and cell division - and therefore also contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails. The body also relies on zinc to maintain normal hormone levels (e.g. testosterone). The trace element is also important for digestion, blood formation, sperm production and the immune system.

Zinc

contributes to the normal function of the immune system
contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
contributes to the maintenance of normal hair
contributes to the maintenance of normal nails
contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
contributes to the maintenance of normal vision
helps to protect cells from oxidative stress
has a function in cell division
contributes to normal fertility and normal reproduction
contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood
contributes to normal acid-base metabolism
contributes to normal carbohydrate metabolism
contributes to normal protein synthesis
contributes to normal fatty acid metabolism
contributes to normal vitamin A metabolism
contributes to normal cognitive function
contributes to normal DANN synthesis
contributes to a normal metabolism of macronutrients

There are about two grams of zinc in the human body. We store most of it in our skin, hair and bones. However, as zinc can only be stored for a short time and the body cannot produce the trace element itself, it must be supplied via the daily diet or a high-quality dietary supplement.

Animal foods, including fish and seafood, often contain higher amounts of zinc compared to plant-based foods. Offal in particular is very rich in zinc. However, pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, cheese and nuts are also rich in natural zinc.

Zinc is an essential trace element and indispensable for numerous processes in our body. In particular, our body's immune function is dependent on zinc levels. A sufficient intake of zinc can therefore help to strengthen the immune system and stay healthy, especially during the cold season.

A zinc deficiency can be caused by an increased need (pregnant women and nursing mothers), an increased loss (e.g. athletes lose zinc through sweat) or a reduced intake.