All about Zinc Supplements

Zinc supplements provide an essential mineral that can be found in and is required by every cell in the body. The body, however, cannot manufacture zinc; as such, we must take enough in from the water we drink and the foods that we eat –- or use supplements.

Zinc plays a vital role in hundreds of bodily processes; among the most prominent are supporting the immune system, tissues, and joints, as well as aiding in cell growth, and affording protection against colds.

Zinc has also been known for boosting sexual function and fertility, the health of our hair, and facilitating the healing of skin wounds and conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

In fact, this mineral plays an important role in the proper functioning of some of our most overt senses, such as our ability to smell, taste, and see. In some studies, taking zinc supplements was able to counter vision loss due to macular degeneration, while, on the other hand, a deficiency in zinc sometimes leads to a dulling of the taste buds and ability to detect scents. Low zinc levels have also been shown to coincide with low sperm counts in men.

Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Some studies have shown that taking more than 100 mg of zinc daily for a prolonged period of time can actually impair the immune system. On the other hand, many older people have been shown to be deficient in this mineral and could benefit by taking a supplement.

1. Zinc can interfere with copper absorption. Therefore, experts recommend that both should be taken together. We believe that in general, consumers are much better off taking their zinc supplements as part of a scientifically balanced, comprehensive formula since, in fact, most vitamins and minerals work synergistically.

2. Zinc supplements come in many forms. Zinc gluconate, picolinate, acetate, and citrate are all readily absorbable forms.

3. Dietary supplements in the U.S. are unregulated. Therefore, one should choose a manufacturer that is pharmaceutical GMP compliant. These facilities adhere to the most stringent manufacturing standards, to minimize or eliminate the possibility of contaminants and that you are getting the amount of ingredients you paid for.

Why not buy the best? Your health depends on it.

One company that meets the above requirements -- and much more -- is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains both zinc (citrate) and copper, along with the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, amino acids, speciality nutrients, and enzymes. In fact, Total Balance contains the majority of nutrients we cover in this entire site!

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Info have been taking this product for the past year with excellent results.