Discovered by Andreas Marggraf, zinc was identified as an element in 1746 but evidence shows that it was known to the Greeks and Romans earlier than 20 BCE, however, remained relatively dormant. The Greeks referred to it as pseudargyras, or “false silver” on account of its white-blue appearance. In Europe it was named from the German word “zinc”, it may have been influenced by the Persian word sing which translates into “stone”. Although zinc may have elusive origins, its function within the body and uses within a modern health setting is gaining increasing recognition.
Ubiquitous within the human body, zinc can be found within all organs, tissues and fluids. As an essential metal, it needs to be cleaved from amino acid food sources within the stomach and small intestine. Due to this vital process, good stomach acid production is essential to maintaining healthy levels of zinc for optimal health. Zinc is an integral part of various enzymatic functions and contributes to the structural stability of proteins. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy gene expression, immune function, hormone production, and hair skin and nail strength and integrity.
Food sources of zinc include Bilberry, Brewer’s yeast, capsicum, dairy products, lentils, egg yolks, ginger, green leafy vegetables, seafood (sardines, herring), crustaceans (oysters, molluscs), lean meats (including red meat, lamb, poultry, pork, organ meats), muesli, nuts and seeds, pepitas, pecans, popcorn, pumpkin seeds, split peas, sunflower seeds, tomato paste, walnuts, whole grains (including wheat germ).
Key Indications:
- May assist in supporting eye health and vision
- Promotes general health and wellbeing
- To support hair and nail health, strength and vitality
- To maintain a healthy immune response and recovery
- To maintain a healthy immune system
- Supplementation may help prevent dietary mineral deficiency
- For healthy bones
- May support healthy testosterone levels
- To support skin health
- To promote wound healing