Do you know your Body’s Required Zinc Intake? Here’s What You Need to Know about Zinc Picolinate

With recent health issues in the new media and social media, zinc has become quite popular along with vitamin D and other supplements (x).

Zinc is the second-most abundant trace mineral in your body after iron. Yet your body can’t produce it. You need to get this vital micronutrient from food, water or as a supplement. The trace mineral plays an essential role in helping your immune system, cardiovascular system and the health of your skin and eyes. Luckily, you only need small amounts of zinc to keep your body in good health.

Some common consequences caused by zinc deficiency are a weakened immune system, increase chances of parasites and infections, skin conditions like dermatitis and dandruff and growth failure (x).

Exhibits Antioxidant Defenses

Zinc helps cause many enzymatic reactions, cellular signaling mechanisms, and similar vital functions in the cell (x). Though zinc picolinate is not an antioxidant by itself, it indirectly exhibits antioxidant functions by activating other molecules (x).

Different Types of Zinc Explained

There are different kinds of zinc for all intents and purposes, though they share the same functions in the body. Zinc supplements differ in their form, where some have higher bioavailability than others, meaning some have better absorption in the body than others (x).

Zinc Picolinate

Picolinate stores itself in your pancreas, released into the intestines during digestion. If fact, this explains why your body can absorb zinc picolinate so easily. A study comparing the various zincs encourages taking zinc with picolinic acid for better absorption into your body (x).

Zinc Gluconate

Gluconate helps heal inflammatory acne as a popular form of zinc. Zinc sulfate helps treat symptoms of acne but is not as effective as gluconate, according to studies (x).

Zinc Sulfate

Sulfate has a comparable lower bioavailability. In its topical form, studies observe zinc sulfate helps relieve hand eczema and diaper dermatitis (x).

Zinc Methionine

Methionine has a higher bioavailability and anti-inflammatory qualities. Studies support zinc methionine as an appropriate option with antioxidants and topical treatment (x).

Zinc Citrate

Citrate has more bioavailability than zinc oxide but still has one of the lowest bioavailability.

Zinc Pyrithione

Pyrithione helps treat dandruff because of its antifungal effects. A clinical study showed the effectiveness of zinc pyrithione shampoo in scalp seborrheic dermatitis, also called dandruff, an external fungal disease of the skin (x).

Zinc Glycinate

Glycinate has powerful antioxidant elements, including ultra-violet rays and sun protection. Zinc glycinate has the best anti-pigmentation potential of all zinc supplements. In fact, it offers anti-aging and anti-color properties (x).

Benefits of Zinc Picolinate Softgel Capsules

Zinc picolinate is one of the best ways to consume zinc because of its bioavailability, enhancing your body even more, to gain all the possible benefits of the trace mineral.

Boost the Body’s Immune System

Studies show zinc shortens the length of a head cold. Some take it the moment the throat feels scratchy or the sense of a developing cold. Taking the softgel supplement in time may ultimately stop the cold from developing (x).

An Ohio State University study shows taking zinc helps control infections by gradually stopping an out-of-control inflammation like damaging and deadly sepsis. Sepsis is a dreadful systemic response to a health concern and a common cause of death in patients in the intensive care unit. Zinc interacts with your body and fights against any disease, balancing the immune system (x).

The research team discovered that sepsis treated with zinc might overcome the infection. The scientist’s findings may help reinforce taking zinc when the common cold first appears to prevent the disease from worsening.

The study also suggested a link between zinc deficiency and inflammation, and supplementing with zinc picolinate softgels capsules may benefit long-term prevention. The researchers also pointed out that if you are deficient in zinc, you are most likely lacking in other nutrients (x).

Promotes Blood Sugar Control

Clinical trials show that zinc behaves like insulin when applied to insulin-sensitive tissue, stimulating insulin action (x). The trace mineral binds to insulin receptors, activating insulin signaling pathways. The cells take glucose, clearing the glucose from the blood.

Zinc also helps correct the storage, processing and secretion of insulin, protecting the potential start of diabetes. Those who have lower zinc levels are susceptible to diabetes (x).

Another interesting observation is that multiple studies show high rates of zinc deficiency occur in individuals with type 2 diabetes (x).  

A study performed with 82,297 women over 24 years showed those women who had higher consumption of zinc had lower chances of developing type 2 diabetes (x). A study in 2013 showed increased consumption of zinc decreased the cases of diabetes in middle-aged women (x)

What about taking zinc picolinate for people who have diabetes?

Many animal studies support supplementing with zinc to reduce fasting glucose and enhance function (x). Human studies appear limited, but more evidence has surfaced showing the benefit of taking zinc to improve blood sugar control and insulin function (x).

Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease

Antioxidant defenses associated with zinc and protecting the heart mean that low zinc levels in the body cause oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease (x).  

Zinc levels in your body decline with age. Equally, the risk of cardiovascular disease also increases (x). Based on research, zinc levels are noticeably lower in individuals with health concerns, such as coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, cardiac ischemia and angina (chest pain) (x). A study showed a higher rate of cardiac failure in patients deficient in zinc (x).

In many situations, zinc supplements may help relieve the above health concerns. Studies show that about 300 mg per day of zinc may prevent and treat angina (x). Also, zinc softgel capsules protect the heart from the lack of blood supply called cardiac ischemia (x).

Low levels of zinc identify with compromised antioxidant defenses. Typically, these defenses protect your heart, but with lower zinc levels, oxidative stress ensues. The zinc deficiency causes cell death, known as apoptosis, in the heart tissues. Zinc can suppress apoptosis. So supplementing with zine picolinate softgel capsules may effectively protect your heart from any injury (x).

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

Parkinson’s disease causes patients to lose neurons that use the neurotransmitter dopamine. The overall causes involve chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction (cells power source) and abnormal protein accumulation (x).

Zinc supplementation may help prevent and combat brain-damaging and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. Of all the trace minerals, zinc is the most abundant one in your brain, helping with functions like aiding the neurotransmission to help with brain development. The supplement helps reduce oxidant stress as an antioxidant (x). Elderly who take zinc show a decrease in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers (x). The trace mineral assists enzymes in the central nervous system, helping to avoid the development of neurodegenerative processes (x).

Based on the above findings, zinc has become part of the treatment for Parkinson’s disease. It influences the primary factors that cause the disease, such as energy deficiency, structural changes, inflammation and oxidative stress (x).

A study performed in 2013 discovered that zinc levels decline with Parkinson’s disease progression in patients. The same study also found a connection between lower zinc levels and an increased risk of debilitating disease (x).

A laboratory study performed on fruit flies showed supplementation with zinc improved disease markers, and further research is underway (xx).

Helps Fight Acne

Several studies have associated low levels of zinc with acne (x). Your body depends on zinc to help it grow and develop skin tissue. In 2014, researchers determined the severity and quality of acne lesions related to lower serum zinc levels (x).

Zinc also helps prevent the proliferation of Propionibacterium acne — bacteria that cause acne. Zinc even regulates anti-inflammatory effects and immune system functions (x).

A study in Turkey compared zinc levels with 150 individuals based on their severity. The results showed that zinc levels that trended downwards increased acne. Chiefly, individuals with acne have 24 percent lower zinc levels than those without acne. This study proves that individuals with acne have lower zinc levels and should supplement with zinc picolinate softgel capsules (xx). But, check with your physician first before trying any new supplement.

Supports Bone Health

Empirical data supports taking zinc picolinate softgel capsules to help maintain hone health. This supplement can apply the protective properties needed to prevent bone loss (x).

In animal studies, low zinc intake or low plasma zinc concentrations show a low bone mass. Also, combining zinc and calcium in postmenopausal osteoporotic women enhanced their bone mineral density more than taking only calcium (x).

A study with 42 young patients with low plasma zinc and low bone mass took zinc supplements for 18 months. The findings showed substantial gains in total-body bone mass (x).  

Because about ten million Americans over 50 have osteoporosis, with another 34 million having low bone mass, a review of essential nutrients for bone health included zinc. The other nutrients comprised vitamin D, calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, silicon and other trace minerals. Exercise also plays a part in maintaining bone health (x).

Promotes Better Eye Health and Slows Macular Degeneration

There is a high risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Some recommend 25 mg of zinc a day. Supplementation slows the progression of the disease and preserves your vision. With that, zinc is essential for your eye health (x).

According to research, zinc influences cell metabolism and plays a vital role in maintaining standard ocular function. In fact, there are high concentrations of zinc in the ocular tissue, especially the retina and choroid (x).

Other studies report that zinc deficiencies produce functional and structural alterations within the organ systems, causing impairments in different eye parts. Deficiencies in zinc also dramatically affect ocular development when it occurs within the prenatal period. How this supplement assists the development of the cellular and molecular functions of the eyes is not clear. But the trace mineral is a component of the lens, cornea, choroid and retina (x).

Boosts Enzymes

For decades, research has followed the discoveries of zinc as a cofactor in many enzymes, making it essential as an enzyme. Research continued and in the 1980s revealed that zinc plays a critical part in helping your body absorb enzymes and proteins (x).

Since zinc plays a vital part in helping your body absorb enzymes for a healthier body, research shows zinc deficiency causes many physiological functions. One can experience impaired wound healing, cessation of growth, retardation, hair loss and defects, leading to a reproductive failure (x).

Thus, you must understand how crucial it is to have zinc in your body. Zinc is a catalyst for helping your body absorb essential enzymes. The softgel capsules can help treat dwarfism, sexual immaturity and inflammation of the skin (x). Be sure to discuss taking a new supplement with your physician, ensuring you’ll receive all its potential benefits. 

Mental Health Benefits

After establishing zinc’s connection to boosting enzymes, more research showed the role of the supplement in helping those with anxiety and depression. Besides taking the ill-fated psychotropic drugs, people benefit from taking zinc as a high bioavailability solution with no side effects like psychiatric drugs (x).

These mental health benefits should not surprise you since your central nervous system contains zinc as the most abundant trace element. Studies document that individuals with a low zinc diet have impaired brain function (x).

Several studies concluded that participants who struggled with depression had chronic low levels of zinc in their system than those participants who didn’t experience depression (x).

With that, it’s essential to maintain adequate zinc in your diet to optimize your mood. However, before starting a new supplement, review taking it with your healthcare provider first. 

Zinc Picolinate Softgel Capsules Dosage

Evaluate the proper dosage of zinc picolinate softgel capsules with your doctor because the amount depends on your age and health concerns. The recommendation is 11 mg per day as a dietary supplement. The upper limit is 40 mg per day for adults. High doses can affect your body, so make sure you go over this with your doctor.

Zinc Picolinate Side Effects

You can take too much of a good thing with zinc, so don’t overdo it. Some side effects caused by zinc supplements:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal discomfort

Topical application side effects:

  • Tingling sensation
  • Stinging
  • Itching

If you are breastfeeding or expecting, talk to your physician about taking zinc picolinate softgel capsules.

Where to Buy Zinc Picolinate Softgel Capsules?

You can purchase Zinc Picolinate Softgel Capsules at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.

Are you interested in trying zinc picolinate as a dietary softgel capsule supplement for its potential to support immunity function, eye health, boost enzymes, bone health, mental health and nerve function? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.

The Bottom Line

Over the decades, research has supported the benefits of taking zinc picolinate softgel capsules. After iron, the trace mineral is the second-most abundant trace element in your body. Yet your body doesn’t produce it.

Zinc picolinate is easy for your body to absorb compared to the other types of zinc supplements.

You can get this micronutrient from proteins and other food sources or supplements. The trace mineral plays a vital role in boosting your enzymes, helping your immune system, supporting your cardiovascular system, controlling your blood sugar levels and the health of your skin and eyes. Studies even show it helps your central nervous system, treating Parkinson’s disease and helping those with mental health issues. Most of these health concerns stem from zinc deficiencies.

Some expected consequences caused by zinc deficiency are a weakened immune system, increased chances of parasites and infections, sexual immaturity, retardation, dwarfism, skin conditions like dermatitis, acne and dandruff and growth failure.

Luckily, you only need small amounts of zinc to keep your body in good health.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Author: James D