Zinc has several roles in our body. For example, it participates in the reactions of cellular metabolism, helps in the immune system and also in cognitive development.
Supplementation of the mineral helps to acquire the necessary amount when it cannot be obtained through food or due to some absorption deficiency.
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What is zinc?
Zinc is a mineral found in animal foods, such as beef, but it can also be found in peas, peanuts, pumpkin seeds , oats, whole wheat grain, ginger and turnip.
Our body does not produce the mineral, so it is necessary to eat through food and, if indicated, supplementation, so that the proper functioning of the body is maintained.
The daily recommendation is to ingest 8mg for women and 11mg for men, these values are recommended for the general population.
Food and, when necessary, zinc supplementation are important, as they prevent the lack of the nutrient, which can cause several problems.
Among them, loss of appetite, hair loss , changes in skin healing, drop in immunity, among others.
What is the zinc supplement for?
Zinc participates in cellular metabolism, assists in immune system processes, has antioxidant action and acts on the structure of proteins – being essential for the whole body. Therefore, the supplement serves to balance the rates of the mineral in the body and ensure the full functioning of the body.
Considering the effects of the body’s mineral, supplementation, when properly guided by professionals, can help to improve:
- The immune response: protecting the body from infections, such as viral and bacterial diseases;
- Antioxidant defense: zinc reduces the action of free radicals, causing less aggression to healthy cells;
- Regulate growth and development: zinc participates in the synthesis and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, being important for the good use of these nutrients,
In addition, the mineral functionally assists about 300 enzymes that have different functions, increasing their reaction speed and the use of reaction energy.
Does zinc help to improve acne?
It can help, as the mineral acts in the inflammation caused by the spine. In the skin, zinc can reduce inflammatory processes, reducing the appearance of pimples.
The mineral also has a healing action and participates in the formation of cells in the skin, causing the pimples that have already appeared to be dried and eliminated more quickly. In addition, it can influence the reduction of sebum production and pore oil.
When should I use zinc supplement?
The zinc supplement should be used in case of medical evaluation and conclusion that there is a lack of mineral in the body. The index below 70mcg / dL of zinc in the blood shows that there is a lack of the mineral in the body.
The daily recommendation is 8mg for adult women and 11mg for adult men.
It is worth remembering that excessive intake can harm health, as well as its lack. Therefore, it is important to consult specialists to receive information about supplementation and ways to use it.
What is the ideal amount of zinc per day?
The recommended dietary value for adults is 8 mg of zinc per day for women and 11 mg per day for men, according to the United States Institute of Medicine.
For children, the daily amount is 5 mg for up to 1 year, and 8 mg per day for 1 to 10 years. For adolescents, the rate varies according to sex, and the recommendation is similar to that of adults: 8 mg a day of zinc for women and 11 mg a day for men.
It is important not to exceed the daily limit of 40 mg of zinc, so there is no risk of decreasing the amount of copper, another mineral, in the body. The lack of copper and excess zinc can cause vomiting, nausea, drowsiness and diarrhea .
Therefore, it is important to consult specialists so that overdosing does not occur and to know if supplementation is really necessary.
What is the best zinc-based supplement?
The best supplement varies according to medical advice, which will assess clinical aspects of the body and supplementation needs. For this reason, it is important to seek medical advice before starting to use supplementation, and to be aware when purchasing in relation to the dosage acquired.
The supplement can be found in pharmacies and health food stores, both physical and online, in the form of capsules. Check out some options available for purchase at Consulta Remédios .
Zinc Sundown
The Sundown brand mineral supplement contains 7mg of zinc per tablet. The supplement does not contain sodium, sugar, lactose and artificial coloring, and is available in a pack of 90 tablets.
Consumption should be made with 1 tablet a day, along with a meal or as directed by a doctor.
Discontinued use is recommended in case of hypersensitivity to any component of the formula. The components are microcrystalline cellulose, zinc gluconate, vegetable stearic acid, silica and vegetable magnesium stearate.
The average value of this supplement is R $ 78 *.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Zinc Maxinutri
The Maxinutri brand zinc supplement contains 7mg of zinc per tablet. The package contains 60 capsules, and the recommended intake is 1 a day, with a meal or as directed by a doctor.
Discontinued use is recommended in case of allergy to any component of the formula. The components are: magnesium silicate, silicon dioxide and gelatin, does not contain gluten .
The average value of this product is R $ 19.50 *, with 60 pills in the bottle. And it is available for purchase in Consultation Remedies, for R $ 17.55.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Zinc Chelate Health labs
The food supplement Zinc from the Health Labs brand contains 25.59mg of zinc per capsule.
The product does not contain gluten and lactose, and is available in packaging with 60 capsules. Consumption should be made of 1 tablet a day, along with a meal or as directed by a doctor.
It is not recommended to use it in case of allergy to any component of the formula. The components are: zinc bisglycinate, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate lubricant, gelatin, glycerin and distilled water. According to the laboratory, it may contain natural latex and milk derivatives.
The average value of this supplement is R $ 27 *, with 60 capsules in the bottle.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Zinco Unilife
The Unilife Zinc supplement contains 7mg of zinc per capsule. The package contains 60 capsules, and the recommended intake is 1 capsule daily.
The supplement has no gluten, lactose and is a vegetarian product. It is not recommended to use in case of allergy to any component of the formula, which are: vegetarian gelatin and water.
His average value is R $ 25.50 *, with 60 pills in the bottle.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Zinc and Vitamin E Liteé
The Liteé brand Zinc supplement contains 7mg of zinc and 10mg of vitamin E per capsule – it is an option with two nutrients in one capsule, making the use of the supplement more practical.
The mineral and vitamin in the supplement strengthen the immune system and the antioxidant action against free radicals, preventing premature aging.
It is not recommended to use it in case of allergy to any component of the formula. The components are: soybean oil, zinc, vitamin E, emulsifying soy lecithin and glacier, beeswax, gelatin, purified water, humectant glycerin and titanium dioxide and black iron oxide. The supplement has no gluten and lactose.
The average value of this product is R $ 38 *, with 60 capsules in the bottle.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Vitamin C + Zinc Health Labs
The Zinc Health Labs supplement contains 10mg of zinc and 1g of vitamin C per tablet, and is a great option for the convenience of containing two nutrients in one tablet.
The package contains 30 effervescent tablets, and the recommended intake is 1 a day dissolved in water or as directed by a doctor.
The supplement strengthens the immune system, fights skin aging, participates in protein synthesis and metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, through the actions of the two nutrients.
The supplement has no gluten and lactose. It is not recommended to use it in case of allergy to any component of the formula.
The components are: vitamin c, zinc bisglycinate, acidic citric acid, acidity regulator, sodium bicarbonate, aroma identical to that of natural orange, maltodextrin , tricalcium phosphate dough yellow microcrystalline cellulose dough and sucralose sweetener.
The average value of this product is R $ 31.50 *, with 30 pills in the bottle.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Infant zinc supplement: what are the options?
Child supplementation becomes important when food alone does not meet the needs of children for their proper growth and development.
The low amount of zinc consumption can develop a lack of appetite and changes in the immune system, making the body weaker in fighting infections.
Child supplementation should always be monitored and used only in case of medical recommendation, since excess zinc can also be harmful.
Check below some child supplements with zinc, which are safe and suitable for child use.
Biozinc Kids
The Biozinc Kids , laboratory Ache, contains 2 mg of zinc each 0.5 ml, making the replacement of the mineral in the body. Zinc acts in several functions in the body and helps the growth and development of the body and the functioning of the immune system.
The supplement does not contain gluten and is available in 75mL packaging, in guarana flavor to facilitate ingestion.
Consumption should be made of 0.5 ml per day, or according to medical advice. Children up to 3 years old can consume only with medical recommendation.
Discontinued use is recommended in case of hypersensitivity to any component of the formula. The components are purified water, maltitol, glycerol, aroma identical to that of natural guarana, potassium sorbate and sucralose
The average value of this supplement is R $ 32.73, with 75mL in the bottle.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Grow Zinco
The Grow zinc , Cifarma the mark contains 2 mg of zinc in each 0.5mL ,. The packaging contains 100mL of guarana flavor, which facilitates ingestion. The recommended dose is 0.5 ml per day, or according to medical advice.
The supplement assists in mineral replacement in case of lack in the body. Strengthening the immune system, and the antioxidant action on free radicals.
Discontinued use is recommended in case of allergic reaction to any component of the formula. The components are: zinc gluconate, maltitol, purified water and glycerol, potassium sorbate, sucralose, aroma identical to that of natural guarana.
The average value of this product is R $ 32.57 *, with 100mL in the bottle.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Vitawin 2
The multivitamin supplement of the Sanofi-Aventis brand contains 1.5mg of zinc in each 1mL, among other nutrients such as vitamin A, D and C, folic acid and iron.
This supplement contains vitamins and minerals that strengthen the body’s immunity and assist in good growth, development and vision.
The supplement has no gluten and sugar and is available in a 30mL packaging, in the caramel flavor that facilitates ingestion. Consumption should be made of 1mL a day, or as recommended by a doctor.
Discontinued use is recommended in case of hypersensitivity to any component of the formula.
The components are water, sorbitol, propylene glycol, ascorbic acid, ferrous sulphate, zinc bisglycinate, retinyl palmitate, cholecalciferol, n-pteroyl-l-glutamic acid, sodium bicarbonate acid regulator, sodium citrate sequester, xanthan gum thickener, conservative methyl parahydroxybenzoate and sucralose sweetener.
The average value of this supplement is R $ 26.73 *, with 30mL in the bottle.
* Prices consulted in November 2020. Prices may change.
Is zinc supplement fattening?
Supplements in general do not cause weight gain, as vitamins and minerals do not contain enough calories to influence weight gain.
In the case of zinc, in fact, there may be a slight weight loss after the rates are regular again in the body, as it tends to accelerate cellular metabolism, spending more calories.
What can happen is that there is a return of appetite, lost due to the lack of the mineral in the body. Thus, the person returns to eating normally, and there may be an increase in weight – which does not tend to be significant.
However, each organism must be evaluated individually.
Zinc supplement in pregnancy: can you take it? It’s safe?
Zinc is also important at the time of pregnancy, as the nutrient helps the development of the central nervous system and enzymes that replicate cells to form the baby’s brain.
Supplementation is recommended in cases where there is a deficiency of the mineral in the body, difficulty in absorbing the substance or food that does not provide all the necessary nutrients during the gestational period.
But it is always important to only use the supplement, especially when the woman is pregnant, if there is medical clearance.
It is worth remembering that, in general, good nutrition is sufficient for most women without absorption problems. Therefore, supplementation should be indicated individually.
Zinc is essential at all stages of life to keep the body functioning in a healthy way.
In general, it is possible to maintain the amount of zinc we need through a balanced diet, except in cases where supplementation is necessary. Learn more about other supplements by following the Healthy Minute.
