For the full development and functioning of the human body, a number of conditions are necessary. One of them is the presence of all the necessary vitamins and minerals. In the case of a deficiency of a certain element, it can usually be gradually replenished by changing the diet of your diet and including in its composition the maximum number of products containing the missing vitamin or trace element.
But, unfortunately, such a simple solution is not suitable in cases where there is a lack of zinc in the body. We will consider the features of this component and its effect on the human body below, as well as Zinc Picolinate, a popular dietary supplement.
How to make up for the lack of zinc in the body?
Unfortunately, if the body suffers from a lack of zinc, then changing the diet will not solve the problem. The difficulty lies in the fact that in nature there are very few plants that can accumulate in themselves zinc in sufficient quantities. For example, some types of violets in their composition contain quite a lot of zinc, but, unfortunately, you can’t diversify their diet.
A sufficient amount of zinc is found in legumes, oysters and seeds. But fresh oysters as a daily dietary supplement are not available to everyone, and legumes and seeds must be eaten in incredibly large quantities so that the lack of zinc in the body is filled. For this reason, the most appropriate solution is to take special vitamins and dietary supplements containing this component. Picolinic acid helps zinc to be better absorbed by the body, and therefore it is part of almost every dietary supplement with this element. Due to the two main components that make up their composition, the drug is called "Zinc Picolinate."
What functions of the body is zinc responsible for?
The benefits of the drug "Zinc Picolinate", the instructions for the use of which will be discussed below, are very difficult to overestimate. The element we are considering is involved in almost all metabolic processes of the body. With its lack, taking vitamins “Zinc picolinate” is really necessary.
Zinc is present in every human cell and is responsible for the full functioning of the body. This element performs the function of controlling the correct cell division, and also participates in such important processes as:
- protein production;
- maintaining immunity;
- DNA synthesis;
- wound healing process;
- the production of hormones, including insulin.
A sufficient amount of zinc is necessary for a full sense of smell. In the event of a lack of this component, a person may not feel the full taste of the food, and also poorly distinguish between various odors.
Since zinc is important for maintaining hormonal levels and for the normal functioning of the endocrine system, it is also responsible for the normal growth of the body. In some Middle Eastern countries, where there is a shortage of food with zinc content and the population suffers massively from its lack, cases of dwarfism are often recorded.
The consequences and possible causes of zinc deficiency in the blood
Studies have found that there are a number of factors that can trigger a decrease in the level of zinc in the body. Among them:
- long-term use of certain oral contraceptives;
- prolonged consumption of too salty and sweet foods in large quantities;
- intensive treatment with cortisone;
- increased intake of radioactive substances;
- alcohol consumption (tests conducted on rats showed that after drinking small doses of alcohol in rodents, a decrease in the level of zinc in the blood and muscles, and especially in the liver) was observed.
If you do not pay attention to a lack of zinc in time and start taking Zinc Picolinate in the form of vitamins and supplements, then this will negatively affect the condition of the whole organism. What could be the consequences:
- hair loss;
- visual impairment;
- constant fatigue, lethargy, increased fatigue;
- occurrence of problems with the skin of the face ;
- memory impairment;
- weight loss, loss of appetite;
- decreased immunity (frequent colds);
- the occurrence of allergic reactions;
- slow recovery period after various injuries, very slow healing of wounds and cuts.
Zinc and Men's Health
A lack of zinc can adversely affect boys' sexual development. Since this component increases the level of testosterone, with its deficiency, sexual development can slow down.
In adults, a lack of zinc can provoke sexual impotence, loss of sperm activity, which will lead to their inability to fertilize the egg.
The effect of zinc on the health of expectant mothers
For women planning a pregnancy, a lack of zinc can cause miscarriage, the birth of a weak fetus with low weight, and premature birth.
Zinc deficiency in children: the main symptoms
Unfortunately, zinc deficiency can occur not only in adults. The disadvantage of this trace element is often found among small patients. Signs that may indicate a lack of zinc in the child's body include:
- the child’s desire to lick metal objects;
- slow hair growth;
- slow growth;
- poor appetite or its complete absence.
Of course, all the above symptoms can signal the presence of other problems, but if parents systematically notice their manifestations, it is worth contacting a therapist as soon as possible. If the child will be recommended taking zinc, you should not hesitate with the purchase of vitamins or special supplements.
Indications for use and the effect of vitamins with zinc on the body
The official instructions for Zinc Picolinate (of various manufacturers) as indications for its use indicate the following health problems and diseases:
- decreased protective function of the body and immunodeficiencies;
- eye diseases;
- pancreatic disease;
- impaired liver function;
- the state of prediabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, a history of diabetes mellitus;
- infertility (both female and male);
- anemia;
- dermatitis and various cosmetic skin problems;
- increased hair loss and exfoliating nails.
The use of "Zinc Picolinate" is appropriate for the following problems:
- Anorexia, which is characterized by a reluctance to take food, despite the need of the body. The causes of this complex disease can be very diverse - from depression to hormonal disruptions. Zinc Picolinate supplements help improve appetite in this case.
- Osteoporosis, the causes of which are not yet fully understood, leads to increased bone fragility and is often observed in older women. For its prevention, zinc supplements are often prescribed along with calcium, manganese and copper. It is believed that it is able to prevent metabolic disorders in bone tissue and thereby reduce the risk of disease.
- Attention deficit disorder and often accompanying hyperreactivity are found in young patients with zinc deficiency in the body.Vitamins and supplements with this element are prescribed for children in parallel with the main therapy.
- Conditions after surgical operations sometimes require additional intake of zinc, since this component accelerates the metabolic processes in the body, helps the speedy healing of wounds and the general recovery of the patient after surgery.
When is zinc prophylactic recommended?
To prevent the occurrence of zinc deficiency in the body, the intake of dietary supplements and vitamins with its content is recommended in the following situations:
- postoperative conditions and recovery period after serious injuries;
- digestive disorders;
- chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys;
- Inadequate diet, including vegetarianism.
The most popular manufacturers of zinc vitamins and the average cost of drugs
Almost every major pharmaceutical manufacturer launches zinc preparations on the market.
Conventionally, they can be divided into two main categories: multivitamins (with a zinc content as one of the components) and monopreparations.
Monopreparations in their composition contain mainly only zinc. They are prescribed in the case when the patient needs to quickly increase the concentration of this particular element in the body. As a rule, one tablet of a single drug contains a daily minimum dose of zinc or slightly exceeds it. Monopreparations with zinc are prescribed for its chronic failure. Their cost may be different. It all depends on the discounts that online stores provide, on the margins of pharmacies selling these drugs, on the manufacturer and the number of tablets in the package.
The most popular manufacturers of such additives are companies:
- Now Foods (250 tablets, cost from 500 to 800 rubles.);
- Nature's Way (60 candies, cost an average of 250-350 rubles.);
- Jarrow Formulas (100 capsules, cost from 450 to 700 rubles.);
- Doctor's Best (120 capsules, the cost varies from 1500 to 2000 rubles).
Judging by the numerous reviews and comments, the most popular among buyers is a single product with zinc content, which is produced by Solgar. "Zinc picolinate" (instructions for use which indicate the same beneficial properties and indications for use as other manufacturers) are available in the form of tablets (100 pcs. In one bottle). The average cost of the drug is about 750-900 rubles. But if you follow the discounts in online stores that are distributors of this drug, Zinc Picolinate from Solgar (reviews will be briefly discussed below), you can buy much cheaper.
Customer reviews about the drug
Most reviews of this manufacturer's drug are positive. Patients note that after administration, a noticeable improvement in skin condition occurs (pimples and acne pass), hair loss is noticeably reduced. Many note a clear improvement in the condition of the nails.
Prescribing this drug to children really helps to improve appetite. Parents also note that the tablets of this manufacturer do not have a foreign smell, so that the task of making the child drink the medicine is not complicated. Parents of children prone to allergies say that there are no additional additives in the composition of Zinc Picolinate, which reduces the risk of allergies.
Solgar, Zinc Picolinate: Discontented Customer Reviews
The disadvantage of a single product with zinc from the company "Solgar" is a rather high cost. You can find reviews of people who, after taking this drug, did not see obvious improvements and did not achieve a solution to their problems. But, as a rule, these people made an independent decision to purchase this drug as a dietary supplement. Before you start taking the drug, consult your doctor and make sure that the symptoms actually indicate a deficiency of zinc in the body, and not the presence of more serious diseases.