Zinc is an essential trace mineral responsible for many chemical reactions in our body. Some of its roles are to create DNA, protein, and heal damaged tissue. It helps your body fight against bacteria and viruses and is important for proper senses of taste and smell. It has been used as part of therapy in patients with COVID-19. Zinc can be found in seafood like oysters, crab, lobsters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Zinc is an especially important mineral for men in regards to fertility.
Deficiencies in zinc slow spermatogenesis aka the production of sperm and abnormalities of the sperm and interestingly have a negative effect on testosterone concentration. Although it serves many purposes in our body zinc when taken in excessive amounts can be rather harmful. Zinc works cohesively with copper another mineral in our body, and when taken in inappropriate dosing could displace copper.
Zinc in excessive amounts could also lower your immunity, and lower your HDL levels, the good cholesterol. Food is the easiest way to ensure a decent zinc intake but a supplementation is also an option either through capsules or IV. Contact our office to learn more about ways you can ensure your zinc levels are appropriate for your health needs.
