Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Benefits of Zinc Supplements

Here are some of the benefits of Zinc Supplements.  Zinc is one of the most affordable supplements to the diet and is widely used as a remedy for colds. Its beneficial effects on the respiratory system may be of benefit in asthma too. If you have asthma, a zinc supplement may help.

Zinc is essential in your body for this will help in many of your body processes such as in reproduction, cell growth, hormone regulation, wound healing, protein metabolism and free radical protection.
Foods with a good source of Zinc
Asthma processes possibly cause zinc to be used up faster, so asthmatics might need to take in more than the RDA. Likewise, beans and whole grains are valuable sources of zinc, but also contain phytates, which bind zinc and make it unavailable to the body. People who consume a lot of these foods, particularly vegetarians and vegans, may need to take in more than the RDA.

Elderly people in particular are at risk of zinc deficiency even though their RDAs are slightly lower than those of younger adults. A  survey found that 35%–45% of people aged 60 years or older had zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement of 6.8 mg/day for elderly women and 9.4 mg/day for elderly men

The body is not able to store zinc, so a daily intake is needed.

How much zinc is needed?

The Office of Dietary Supplements at the US NIH has set the following recommended daily allowances (RDAs):
Adults: 11 mg (men), 8 mg (women, 13-14 mg when pregnant or breast feeding)
Adolescents 14-18 years: 11 mg (boys), 9 mg (girls)
Children: 9-13 years: 8mg; 4-8 years: 5 mg, 1-3 years: 3 mg
Zinc can be toxic in excess. The ODS has also set recommended upper levels:
Adults: 40 mg
Adolescents 14-18 years: 34mg
Children: 9-13 years: 23mg; 4-8 years: 12 mg, 1-3 years: 7 mg

Research shows that Zinc is one of the home remedies for skin problems or diseases. The use of zinc for acne is very effective in healing and reducing inflammation. It also reduces the androgenic effect of hormones on your skin; hence, you are advised to take Zinc supplements if you want to say reduce those pimples.

Zinc can also be found in readily available and affordable supplements, both as mixed supplements and on its own. Taking zinc supplements guarantees an adequate intake for people with all types of diets, and this may be of particular importance in asthma.

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