TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Research shows zinc It has many health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, accelerating wound healing, reducing the risk of age-related diseases, reducing inflammation, and more. Here are some of the benefits of zinc.
Zinc helps keep the immune system strong. Therefore, it is required for immune cell function and cell signaling. Deficiency can lead to a weakened immune response.
Zinc supplements stimulate certain immune cells and reduce oxidative stress. For example, a review of seven studies showed 80-92 mg of zinc per day could reduce the duration of the common cold by 33 percent. Even more, supplement zinc significantly reduces the risk of infection and enhances the immune response in the elderly.
Zinc is commonly used in hospitals as a treatment for burns, certain ulcers, and other skin wounds. Since this mineral plays an important role in collagen synthesis, immune function, and inflammatory response, zinc is required for proper healing. In fact, the skin stores a relatively high amount, about 5 percent of the body’s zinc content.
Zinc deficiency can slow wound healing. Zinc supplements can speed up wound healing. In a 12-week study in 60 people with diabetic foot ulcers, those treated with 200 mg of zinc per day experienced a significant reduction in ulcer size compared to the placebo group.
Zinc can significantly reduce the risk of age-related diseases, such as pneumonia, infections, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Zinc can relieve oxidative stress and enhance immune response by increasing the activity of T cells and natural killer cells, which help protect the body from infection.
The elderly who received adequate zinc intake experienced an increased response to influenza vaccination, reduced the risk of pneumonia, and improved mental performance. In fact, one study determined that 45 mg per day of elemental zinc could reduce the incidence of infection in the elderly by nearly 66 percent.
Additionally, in a large study in more than 4,200 people, taking daily antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, plus 80 mg of zinc, decreased vision loss and significantly reduced the risk of advanced AMD.
Acne is a common skin disease that is estimated to affect up to 9.4 percent of the global population. Acne is driven by blockage of oil-producing glands, bacteria, and inflammation. Studies show using topical and oral zinc can effectively treat acne by reducing inflammation, inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria, and suppressing the activity of oily glands.
People with acne tend to have lower zinc levels. Therefore, supplements can help reduce symptoms. Zinc reduces oxidative stress and reduces levels of certain inflammatory proteins in the body. Oxidative stress causes inflammation chronic disease, a contributing factor in various chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and mental decline.
In a study of 40 elderly people, those who took 45 mg of zinc per day experienced greater reductions in inflammatory markers than the placebo group.
Also read: Because zinc is needed by the body
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