Zinc & Immunity
Zinc is an essential micronutrient required for many biological processes. It’s paramount in wound healing, decreasing the common cold and some viruses and supporting our bodies antioxidant systems being the basis for our immune system. In a nutshell a deficiency makes us more susceptible to pathogens and infectious diseases.
Zinc is a critical mineral involved in the thymus gland function (an organ between the lungs in the breast bone). When zinc levels are low the number of T cells (cells that fight infections) is reduced.
Studies suggest a potential link between zinc deficiency and increased inflammation that can occur when we age. Low zinc levels corresponded with increased chronic inflammation.
The body does not have much ability to store zinc, so regular intake is important. Zinc is found in an abundant of different foods such as meat, nuts, seeds, avocado and spinach to name a few. It is also available in supplement form. If taking zinc supplements studies have shown that zinc reduces diarrhoea and lowers respiratory tract infections. Be mindful though, taking too much zinc can interfere with other mineral absorption. So if taking supplements the right dose is important.
Food as medicine is first and foremost. Zinc primarily comes from our food and a good diet is paramount.
Food sources of zinc include:
Red meat
Liver
Oysters
Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Eggs
nuts
Factors that inhibit zinc absorption are:
Stress
Iron (don’t take your zinc and iron supplement together)
Coffee
Alcohol
Rice
High consumption of :
Phytates found in grains such as wheat-bran
Oxalates found in rhubarb and spinach
Low protein diet
High sugar consumption
The information provided in this blog is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. None of Nutritional services shall be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. We cannot and do not provide medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before altering your diet. The information provided in this blog should not be used in place of a consultation with your physician or other health care provider. We do not recommend the self-management of health problems. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please consult your physician or other health care provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the information provided in this plan.
Reference:
Carmen P. Wong, Nicole A. Rinaldi, Emily Ho. Zinc deficiency enhanced inflammatory response by increasing immune cell activation and inducing IL6 promoter demethylation. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2015; DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201400761
Wang L, Song Y. Efficacy of zinc given as an adjunct to the treatment of severe pneumonia; a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trials. Clin Respir J. 2018;12(3):857-64.