Zinc deficiency affects several of the body's systems

Although zinc is a vital mineral, many people are unaware that they have a zinc deficiency. Persistent and recurring colds, deteriorating hair, skin and nails, and an upset stomach are some of the indications that can point to low levels of zinc in the body. Zinc is essential for a wide range of functions to function normally. For example, did you know that zinc is essential for the body's digestion, so a lack of the mineral can lead to stomach upset and nausea? Read on to get a better understanding of what happens in the body when zinc is deficient and what you can actually do to prevent it from occurring.

A mineral for the immune system and eyesight

Zinc is an important mineral for the immune system and is needed for a variety of enzymes in the body to function normally. Zinc contributes to the body's wound healing and is needed for good quality skin, hair and nails. It has been shown that people with acne and other skin conditions often notice a positive difference from a zinc supplement. In the body, zinc acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress. Zinc is also needed for the metabolism of oxygen, proteins and carbohydrates and for a healthy skeleton. The eyes depend on normal zinc levels in the body for our vision to function at all. As zinc plays an important role in the cell nucleus and affects our genetic make-up, it also becomes a crucial mineral for many other functions in the body. Vitamin D and hormones that control growth and metabolism need zinc for the body to absorb them. Zinc has been shown to be important for the functioning of our sex hormones and contributes to normal testosterone levels in the blood. Zinc is also needed for proper fertility and reproduction.