What is Zinc Glycinate Used For?

Zinc is a mineral found in every cell of the human body. This most present mineral, after iron, is a vital nutrient and plays a crucial role in cell development and gene expression. The mineral is used for the chemical activity of approximately 100 enzymes.

The human body can't make or store zinc. We, therefore, need a daily intake of the mineral to avoid deficiency. The best ways to maintain zinc levels in the body are through our diet or by taking a supplement such as Zinc Glycinate.

There are numerous common uses for a zinc glycinate supplement. These include but aren't limited to the following:

1. Skin Health

Zinc works as an antioxidant and is used by the body to protect the skin from free radicals such as UV rays. The mineral can also help diminish acne's appearance and early signs of aging, such as lines and spots.

The mineral is anti-inflammatory as it helps to reduce excess oil production. Scientific studies show that by ensuring you have adequate zinc levels, you can help fight acne.

2. Wound Healing 

When you cut yourself, your body produces platelets. These are colorless blood cells that form a clot to stem the bleeding of your wound. Scientific evidence shows that zinc enhances the activity of these platelets.

As zinc is so integral to your skin's health, supplementing with zinc can accelerate the healing of wounds.

3. Benefits For Immune System Health

The anti-inflammatory properties of zinc can have a positive effect on the health of your immune system.

For the body to develop T-lymphocytes (the white blood cells that are a crucial part of the immune system), zinc is required.

Low zinc levels are associated with difficulty producing immune-boosting white blood cells. Individuals with low zinc have a susceptibility to pneumonia and other infections.

Due to its immune-enhancing properties, zinc is often found in pharmaceutical medicine for colds and sore throats. Many over-the-counter lozenges contain zinc gluconate glycine. 

4. Benefits For Digestive System

Zinc can also benefit the digestive system. It contributes to a robust intestinal wall, and too much or too little zinc can contribute to the barrier of the intestine falling apart.

Not having the right levels of zinc can also lead to a shift in the microbiome. This can lead to problems with digestion, including inflammation and diarrhea.

5. Benefits For Fertility

There is a strong correlation between male fertility and levels of zinc in the body. It is an essential nutrient for male fertility and plays a role in determining the quality of sperm and the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg.

Zinc is integral for maintaining the lining of the reproductive organs and works as a hormone balancer. Research suggests zinc has a lot of potential for preventing and treating male infertility.

6. Treating Insomnia

New evidence has lead researchers to conclude that zinc also plays a role in the regulation of sleep.

Ensuring you have enough zinc can increase the quality and quantity of your sleep. Low zinc levels can lead to insomnia, and supplementing zinc is often recommended as a treatment for insomnia.

7. Age-Related Muscle Deterioration

Due to the function of zinc in hormone production, it is also essential for building muscle mass. Zinc is also crucial for repairing your tissues after exercising. 

Often, older people find that muscle deterioration is related to low levels of zinc.

8. Supports Growth In Infants

Zinc is essential for cellular growth and metabolism. Deficiency can limit childhood growth and resistance to infection. Zinc levels and growth rate in children are closely correlated.

How to Take Zinc Glycinate

Zinc is found in many food items that you probably consume on a daily or at least weekly basis. Foods rich in zinc include:

• Seafood and shellfish such as salmon, crab, lobster, mussels
• Meat such as turkey, chicken, pork, beef
• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt
• Seeds and nuts such as cashews, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds
• Grains such as quinoa, oats, and brown rice

Vegetarians and vegans have to be a little more careful about getting their daily zinc as they eat fewer foods from animals. 

You can get your daily zinc using a supplement. A typical supplement is zinc glycinate chelate.

Zinc can be challenging for your body to absorb on its own, so if you take a supplement, it is often attached to a chelate. This makes it easier for your body to absorb.

You can take zinc glycinate as a capsule or zinc glycinate liquid. To understand the best zinc glycinate for your body, you should discuss it with your doctor.

It is possible to have too much zinc in your body if you supplement too much. Signs that you may have too much zinc include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps.

People at risk of zinc deficiency include; pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, older infants, vegetarians, and vegans. You can test your zinc levels with a simple blood test by your physician. 

Important for Long Term Wellbeing

Now you know the importance of zinc in the body, you can maintain a healthy zinc level. Whether with your diet or with a Zinc Glycinate supplement, you know why it is vital for day-to-day bodily functions.

If you have enough zinc, you will support your immune system and reduce the chance of inflammation and infection. This, in turn, strengthens your overall well-being and ability to heal quickly. 

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