Zinc in our diet: immunity and other benefits

Why is optimal intake of zinc important for our health and well-being?

Zinc is an essential mineral, as such it plays a role in the function of antioxidant enzymes, brain function, and the immune system, among many other biological roles. Zinc is most commonly taken to reduce the frequency of illness as it is involved in regulating the immune system.

Since its first discovery, zinc deficiency in humans is now known to be an important malnutrition problem world-wide. Epidermal, gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems are the organs most affected clinically by zinc deficiency. It is more common in areas and in people basing their diet on high cereal and low animal food consumption. Moreover, the diet may not necessarily be low in zinc, but its not so optimal bio-availability plays a major role in its limited absorption from general food.

In addition, diabetics (both type I and type II) appear to be at higher risk for zinc deficiencies than do non-diabetic persons. Zinc deficiency is mostly associated with cognitive deficits (memory and mood) as well as growth impairments in youth.

How can zinc deficiency impact our immunity?

Considering immunity system function, Interleukins (IL) cytokines type of cells regulate cell growth, differentiation, and motility. They are particularly important in stimulating immune responses, such as inflammation. Interleukin IL-2 is known to be decreased with zinc deficiency and restored upon replenishment. Production of IL-2 is increased with supplementation of zinc.

The adaptive immune system consists of two main types of cells: T-cells (named because they are found in the thymus, the organ in which they mature) and B-cells (named after the bone marrow, where they were initially produced). Both cell types are specific for a particular antigen and are activated when they recognize a pathogen antigen. The two main types of T cells are killer T cells and helper T cells. The first type kills cells infected with viruses or cancer cells. Zinc deficiency is known to lead to a reduced count of T-cells and subsequently depressed antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

B!TONIC? products such as Vitamin D + Zinc, Orange Immune and Real Energy contain organic zinc which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.