What is Zinc?

Zinc is a vital micronutrient that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body. It’s involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, and contributes to the functioning of the immune system, DNA synthesis, wound healing and cell division - so it’s pretty important for keeping your body running. Although it’s a very big player in the wellness of our body, it’s often overshadowed by better known vitamins and minerals.

However, understanding the importance of zinc and its impact on your overall health is essential, so if you’re curious to learn more about this micronutrient, pop into your local pharmacy, where you can have a chat with a trained medical professional from your community pharmacy team.

Where can I find it?

It’s fairly easy to find zinc as part of a balanced diet, because a lot of foods are naturally rich in it. Common sources include whole grains and seeds, nuts, legumes and poultry or other lean meats. If you’re a fan of shellfish, you’ll find plenty of zinc there, especially in oysters.

That said, if you can’t stomach an oyster every day, your local pharmacy offers a wide range of supplements including zinc, which will help you meet your recommended daily intake.

Should I be taking Zinc?

The biggest role Zinc has to play in our daily life is in supporting our immune system, which makes it particularly important during cold and flu seasons. Making sure you’re getting enough zinc during these times can help strengthen your body’s defences against harmful pathogens, and will support the production and function of immune cells. If you’re getting enough zinc on a daily basis, your immune system will be able to respond faster, and potentially reduce the duration and severity of illnesses.

Zinc is also involved in skin health and wound healing, promoting the generation of collagen, which is important for keeping your skin, hair and nails healthy. If you’re concerned about scarring or a wound that’s taking a while to heal, zinc’s properties may accelerate your recovery process and improve the overall health of your skin.

Zinc has also been found to play a significant role in supporting your cognitive function, including memory and learning, so if you’re studying for an upcoming exam and you want to make sure your brain is working as powerfully as possible, ensuring you’re getting enough zinc is a smart thing to do. Zinc contributes to neurotransmitter and synthesis and signalling, which means it’s the perfect micronutrient to optimise your brain function.

Your pharmacist or GP might recommend zinc supplements if you’re embarking on a fertility journey with your partner. Zinc is involved in maintaining reproductive health in both males and females, playing a crucial role in sperm production and maturation, and contributing to hormonal balance and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Your local pharmacy team is a valuable resource when it comes to understanding zinc and deciding whether supplementation is right for you. Your community pharmacist can guide you on the appropriate dosage, potential interactions with medications you’re already taking, and any specific things to bear in mind based on your individual health needs. Your pharmacy team has been trained to provide evidence-based advice, and offer insights into the potential benefits of zinc supplementation for specific conditions, like compromised immune function, skin conditions and reproductive health concerns.

Visit your nearest pharmacy and engage in a conversation with your friendly pharmacist about zinc supplementation. They will guide you towards the best form of zinc supplements for your needs, advising on the suitable brands available on the shelves of your local pharmacy. Share your health goals and concerns, and your local chemist will help you to determine the most appropriate approach to incorporating zinc into your daily routine.

By embracing the expertise of your local pharmacy team and ensuring you're meeting your zinc requirements, you can support your immune system, enhance wound healing, and promote overall well-being. Your local pharmacy is not just a place to pick up medications; it's a valuable resource for your health and wellness journey.

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For a healthy body all year round, check out your nearest chemist and have a chat with a friendly pharmacist to get to grips with the vitamins and minerals your body needs to work at full capacity on a daily basis.