Zinc is a trace mineral, which means the body only requires small amounts to work optimally. Despite only needing small amounts, zinc is required for almost a hundred enzymes to carry out necessary processes in the body. These include normal DNA synthesis, normal cognitive function and the normal metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids. Zinc also contributes to normal fertility and reproduction. Zinc is found in a range of foods, including meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts & seeds and wholegrains. Find out more about this mineral on our What Is Zinc blog. 

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in a wide-range of functions in the body. It contributes to maintaining the normal function of the immune system and the protection of cells from oxidative stress, as well as playing a role in the process of cell division. Zinc benefits for men and women range from supporting normal skin, hair and nails to helping to maintain normal fertility and reproduction, whilst zinc benefits specifically for men include the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood. 

Zinc also contributes to:

• Normal cognitive function

• Normal DNA synthesis

• Normal macronutrient metabolism

• Normal metabolism of fatty acids

• Normal carbohydrate metabolism

• Normal protein synthesis

• Normal metabolism of vitamin A

• Normal acid-base metabolism

The UK Department of Health and Social Care advise that men aged 19 to 64 years old require 9.5 milligrams (mg) of zinc per day whilst women need 7mg per day. Many experts believe there are times when higher levels of zinc can be beneficial.

Red meat is an excellent source of zinc, as are shellfish, such as oysters and mussels. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, are high in zinc, whilst eggs contain some. Vegan sources of zinc include chickpeas, lentils and beans, as well as seeds, like hemp, and nuts, especially cashews. Fruits and vegetables are not typically high in zinc, although a modest amount can be found in potatoes.

Find out more about The Best Zinc Foods To Incorporate Into Your Diet in our blog.

Zinc is involved in over 200 enzymes within the human body, so it’s crucial we get enough zinc for a number of reasons. Zinc plays a role in supporting our hair, skin and nails, normal immune function and normal fertility and reproduction.

Read more about this in our guide What Does Zinc Do For The Body?

It is possible to obtain enough zinc from your diet, especially if it includes red meat and shellfish, however if you feel that you are not getting enough from your diet then a zinc supplement can be a convenient way to round out any nutritional gaps.

Zinc helps to support normal skin, as well as normal hair and nails.

Zinc and magnesium are two key minerals that support a number of processes within the body. Both play a role, alongside calcium, as cofactors in supporting bone health. Learn more in our blog on The Benefits of Magnesium.

Zinc has been shown to contribute to the maintenence of normal hair. Perfectil Hair contains Zinc, plus Biotin and Selenium, which all contribute to the maintanance of normal hair.