OptiZinc 30 mg. - 60 Capsules Solaray

Zinc Deficiency May Cause a Number of Problems
Those who eschew the use of meat, fish, and poultry such as vegetarians, and vegans who do not eat anything except plant-based foods may not be getting adequate zinc through their diet. Zinc is found in foods such as shellfish, oysters, and meat. Smaller amounts of zinc are found in some vegetables, but nothing that can compare with the high amounts found in lobster and crab. Foods such as legumes, nuts, and grains may provide some lower amounts of zinc, but not sufficient to prevent a deficiency. Zinc deficiency may result in fatigue, wounds that take forever to heal, weight loss, cognitive dullness, and even diarrhea.

The Immune System Benefits from Zinc
It has long be thought that zinc supplements may help prevent colds, and maybe even flu. As it turns out, this may be true. In order for the immune system to really benefit from zinc and be more likely to prevent a cold, the supplement should be taken for around 5 months, in order for the best results. When cold or flu virus enters the mouth, nose, or eyes, it attaches itself to the mucus found in those locales. Zinc may block the ability of the virus to enter the actual cells there and thereby prevent the infection from taking hold. Free radical damage to cells could lead to illness, but because zinc has good antioxidant qualities, it may help to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Chronic Fatigue and Zinc
It can sometimes be hard to pin down exactly what is causing chronic fatigue, but those who are suffering from it are all too familiar with its symptoms. Chronic fatigue not only causes a constant feeling of tiredness, but may also cause headaches, joint pain, brain fog, and sore throat. Everyone gets fatigued now and again, but if the condition lasts for 6 months, it will be labeled as chronic fatigue. A zinc deficiency could be at the root of some chronic fatigue, especially if tests have ruled out other potential causes. It should always be borne in mind that because zinc is generally scattered throughout the body, a blood test may not be reliable for determining a deficiency as it may show normal amounts in the blood while the cells might be starving for zinc.

Men and Women Both Need Zinc
Men’s fertility depends in part about whether there is adequate zinc available in the diet. Men who are looking to become fathers should definitely make sure they are getting enough zinc to keep testosterone and sperm levels maximized. Expectant mothers likewise need to keep their zinc levels adequate to make sure the baby will fall within the normal weight range for newborns and also that the pregnancy goes to full term.