Zinc Supplement: Immune, Prostate & Male Fertility

Zinc is one of 16 essential trace minerals your body needs for optimal health. Next to iron, it is the most abundant mineral in your body and is found in almost every cell. A Zinc supplement helps ensure adequate intake of this critical nutrient, which is central to the proper functioning of more than 300 enzymes and is essential for proper growth and development.

For more than 50 years, research has shown that Zinc deficiency compromises immune function. Virtually all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity — from neutrophils and natural killer cells to T cells and B cells — are affected by Zinc status. Low levels of Zinc have been detected in people with a number of conditions including diabetes, eating disorders, male infertility, diarrhea, and osteoporosis.

Dietary Zinc deficiency is quite common worldwide, affecting an estimated 2 billion people. Even in the United States, 35%–45% of adults aged 60 years or older have Zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement. Certain populations face elevated risk, including people who have had gastrointestinal surgery, those with digestive disorders such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, vegetarians, and individuals with sickle cell disease.

This product uses OptiZinc® (Zinc mono-methionine), the only high-potency Zinc supplement FDA-approved safe for human nutrition. OptiZinc® is a patented 1:1 complex of Zinc and 100% natural methionine — the amino acid that is best absorbed by the body and also serves as an antioxidant. Studies show that OptiZinc® is absorbed better, retained longer, and is more effective than ordinary Zinc supplements tested. It also resists binding with dietary fiber and phytate, organic compounds that commonly inhibit Zinc absorption.

Zinc operates through several fundamental biological mechanisms. It serves as an enzymatic catalyst for more than 300 metalloenzymes spanning all six enzyme classes — from superoxide dismutase and DNA polymerase to cytochrome oxidase and peptidase. This means Zinc participates in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids.

At the cellular level, Zinc forms structural motifs called "Zinc fingers" that enable transcription factors to bind DNA, influencing gene expression. It contributes to chromatin decondensation, stabilizes the DNA double helix, and facilitates DNA replication. The body also uses Zinc to make proteins.

In the immune system, Zinc negatively regulates gene expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β, which are known to generate reactive oxygen species. This is one mechanism by which Zinc functions as an antioxidant. Zinc supplementation has been shown to protect mononuclear cells against oxidative stress.

Zinc also interacts with numerous hormones, including testosterone, insulin, adrenal corticoids, and growth hormone. Production, storage, secretion, and hormone receptor interactions can all be involved in these interactions. The hormone testosterone requires Zinc for its production, making Zinc particularly important for male reproductive health.

Unlike other Zinc supplements, OptiZinc® will not cause anemia by removing iron from cells, an important distinction given that taking supplements containing substantial amounts of iron (≥25 mg) at the same time as Zinc can reduce Zinc absorption.

This Zinc supplement may be beneficial for a broad range of individuals. People who are deficient in Zinc are more susceptible to infections, and Zinc supplementation may help support healthy immune function. Anyone looking to promote seasonal respiratory wellness and maintain robust immune defenses may benefit from adequate Zinc intake.

Men may benefit from this Zinc supplement for two common concerns. Infertility resulting from low testosterone levels may respond to increased Zinc intake, as research has linked Zinc deficiency to impaired spermatogenesis and hypogonadism. Additionally, symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be supported with additional Zinc, since the healthy prostate accumulates uniquely high Zinc concentrations that are markedly depleted in BPH tissue.

Individuals facing surgery are encouraged to take sufficient Zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C before and after surgery. Studies show that taking sufficient amounts of these nutrients can help optimize wound healing. Zinc plays a central role in all phases of wound repair, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Older adults deserve particular attention, as 35%–45% of adults aged 60 or older have Zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement. In older adults, Zinc deficiency can delay wound healing and cause problems with thinking, reasoning, and memory. Vegetarians may also need up to 50% more Zinc due to the phytate content in plant-based diets, which reduces Zinc absorption.

This product is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free, making it accessible for individuals with common dietary restrictions.

Take one (1) tablet daily with meals. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

Each tablet contains 20 mg of OptiZinc®. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Zinc is 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults is 40 mg/day.

If you are taking quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics, take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, taking a Zinc supplement. If you take penicillamine, separate it from Zinc supplementation by at least 1 hour. Avoid taking iron supplements (≥25 mg) at the same time as Zinc, as this can reduce Zinc absorption.