I am not a huge supplement fan, but there are some bases that need covering because we can’t get enough from our diet alone, and one of them is Zinc.
The chances that you are zinc deficient are high!
Especially if you are of older age, drink alcohol, are a vegetarian, a diabetic or have digestive tract issues.
It plays a large role within:
- Immune support
- Cell health
- Hormonal balance
- Energy levels
- Enzyme activity (needed for digestion)
- The Central nervous system
To name but a few…
Its a powerful antioxidant and is necessary for optimal physical performance. Its such an important mineral, there is evidence to suggest it can help prevent cancer and Alzheimers, and its the best preventative measure against the common cold.
Having supplemented this mineral for many years now, I can attest to that, I rarely get ill, my training usually goes well and I generally feel good and strong.
There are a number of things we do that will create the deficiency. Such as:
- Drinking tea
- Strenuous exercise
- Drinking alcohol
- Taking medications
Zinc is poorly absorbed, and only really found in any great quantity in meats, with oysters being the richest source. Vegetarians are at high risk, not only because they aren’t eating meat, but because the protein sources they do eat, contain other nutrients that block absorption.
Supplementation is necessary!
The most bio-available form is zinc Methionine, and you will improve absorption further if you include fat soluble vitamins A&D, and also Vitamin B6.
With optimal levels of zinc you will experience:
- Better recovery from training
- More energy
- Increased cognitive output
- Improved hair and skin condition
- More strength
- Increased libido
Unfortunately blood testing for zinc deficiency is notoriously inaccurate as its mostly stored in your cells, so its suggested to trial the supplement for 4 weeks to see if your condition improves. Bare in mind, if you don’t reduce the things above that block absorption, you may never get the benefits of this mineral. Hence why people that drink alcohol heavily or often get ill so often.
Patricia Hausman in her excellent book “The Right Dose” explains that “the best proof of zinc deficiency is the presence of some of its typical symptoms (mental depression, fatigue, hair loss, diarrhea, reduced resistance to infection or delayed wound healing, reduced sense of taste or smell) followed by their improvement or disappearance after supplementation.
Daily recommended amounts are between 10-20mg, if you want to purchase some, I recommend this product
In the end, zinc supplementation offers so many health benefits, can you afford NOT to take it?
Pete
Fonder/Owner BKC
