Zinc - Essential for growth and development, reproduction and digestion

Zinc is one of 16 essential trace minerals your body needs for optimal health.

Next to iron, zinc 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.

Low levels of zinc have been detected in people with a number of conditions including diabetes, eating disorders, male infertility, diarrhea and osteoporosis. Zinc supplementation may be beneficial in these cases.

Zinc is an excellent mineral for boosting the immune system as people who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc supplementation improves immune system function helping protect against colds and upper respiratory illnesses.

Because of its immune boosting capabilities, zinc has also shown benefit in treating Candida or yeast infection in women. This effect may be enhanced by combining zinc with vitamins A, C and E.

Additionally, zinc has been shown to help speed the recovery time in wound healing.  As such, individuals facing surgery are encouraged to take sufficient zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C before and after surgery.

Zinc is also an essential mineral in promoting men's health.  The hormone testosterone requires zinc for its production. Infertility resulting from low testosterone levels may respond to increased zinc intake. Symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may also be relieved with additional zinc.