What Is Zinc Used For? A Complete Guide

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. Zinc is central to the proper functioning of more than 300 enzymes and is essential for proper growth and development.

Understanding what is Zinc used for begins with appreciating its extraordinary breadth of biological activity. Zinc is incorporated into about 10% of all human proteins, and its biologically active ionic form — the divalent cation Zn²⁺ — participates in enzymatic catalysis, DNA synthesis, immune regulation, hormonal interactions, and structural protein integrity. It plays roles in reproduction, digestion, respiration, and proper brain, nerve, vision, and immune function.

Despite its importance, the body cannot synthesize Zinc and must obtain it from dietary or supplemental sources. Dietary Zinc deficiency is quite common in the developing world, affecting an estimated 2 billion people, and even in North America, 35%–45% of adults aged 60 years or older have Zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement.

Zinc metalloenzymes are found in all six classes of enzymes — oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases — and therefore engage in virtually all metabolic processes involving proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids. The body also uses Zinc to make DNA and proteins.

Zinc ions form "Zinc fingers" — structural sequences that enable transcription factors to bind to DNA — playing a critical structural and regulatory role in gene expression. At the level of the cell nucleus, Zinc can induce gene expression through the structural stabilization and functional regulation of various immunologically important transcription factors.

For more than 50 years, it has been known that Zinc deficiency compromises immune function. Virtually all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity are affected by Zinc status — including neutrophil granulocytes, monocytes, natural killer cells, T cells, and B cells. Zinc also functions as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, and supplementation has been shown to protect mononuclear cells against oxidative stress.

There are also numerous physiologically relevant interactions between Zinc and various hormones, including testosterone, adrenal corticoids, insulin, and growth hormone, whereby production, storage, secretion, and hormone receptor interactions can all be involved.

This product features OptiZinc®, 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 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 inhibit Zinc absorption. This is significant because phytic acid found in many plant foods can substantially reduce Zinc absorption; some researchers have suggested that phytate increases Zinc needs by up to 50%.

Unlike other Zinc supplements, OptiZinc® will not cause anemia by removing iron from cells. Each tablet provides 20 mg of OptiZinc®, well within the adult Recommended Dietary Allowance of 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men, and safely below the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 40 mg/day.

Zinc supplementation may be particularly relevant for several groups. Men concerned about prostate health may benefit, as symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be relieved with additional Zinc. The prostate gland accumulates the highest Zinc concentration of any soft tissue, and Zinc levels are markedly reduced in BPH tissue.

Men seeking fertility support should note that the hormone testosterone requires Zinc for its production. Infertility resulting from low testosterone levels may respond to increased Zinc intake. Research suggests Zinc supplementation may significantly improve semen volume, sperm motility, and normal morphology in infertile males.

Those looking to support immune function will find Zinc essential, as people who are deficient in Zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc supplementation improves immune system function, helping support the body's defenses against colds and upper respiratory challenges.

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 may help optimize wound healing.

Certain populations are at greater risk for Zinc deficiency: people who have had gastrointestinal surgery such as weight loss surgery, those with digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, vegetarians, alcoholics, and older adults. This product is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free.

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®. Taking Zinc supplements that contain a substantial amount of iron (≥25 mg) at the same time can reduce Zinc absorption, so these should be separated. Additionally, both quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics might reduce the amount of both Zinc and the antibiotic that your body absorbs — take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, taking a Zinc supplement.

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Zinc in adults is 40 mg/day. Getting excessive amounts of Zinc can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and gastric distress. Doses of 50 mg or more over a period of weeks can inhibit copper absorption, reduce immune function, and lower HDL cholesterol levels.