Zinc gluconate: Its role within the body, especially during infections, and the risk factors for a deficiency? 

Zinc guconate - functions in the body

This vital trace element is involved in more than 300 enzyme and protein reactions known to date in the body. In the process, it fulfills structural, regulatory as well as catalytic tasks.
A large number of enzymatic processes in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism require the participation of this metal. The human body needs it for protection against free radicals and for general body defense.
In addition, the element is needed for the metabolism of vitamin A and macronutrients. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Further, it regulates healthy acid-base metabolism and testosterone levels.
It is involved in maintaining vision, DNA building, cell division, cognitive functions, and fertility.
Structurally, it is involved in blood formation, maintenance of membrane and protein structures, and cell proliferation in response to injury. It is needed to build and maintain connective tissue.
In neurotransmitter metabolism, it is responsible for the build-up and breakdown of various neurotransmitters, among other things. It also influences the formation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
If too little GABA is formed due to a zinc deficiency, this leads to increased excitability of the nerve cells.
The trace element is also needed hormonally at many levels. For example, it is essential for the synthesis, storage and release of insulin. The metabolism of thyroid hormones, growth hormones is also dependent on this element.

Zinc gluconate - effect in infections

Several scientific studies have been conducted on its effect in preventing and treating infections. In a 2017 study, lozenges containing zinc gluconate as the active ingredient were used as a source of zinc to investigate its effect on colds.
The result of the study showed that sucking the zinc tablets shortened the duration of cold symptoms such as cold, cough, sore throat and muscle pain.
The effect of vitamin C in relation to colds has been debated for decades.
For example, people who were exposed to great physical exertion in cold weather, such as winter athletes, were observed to have a reduced risk of catching a cold if they consumed an additional circa 200 mg of the vitamin daily.

Strong effect in cell renewal

As zinc deficiency causes skin changes, it has been shown to be essential for healthy skin function. Hair and nails are also negatively affected by a deficiency.
The trace element is involved in formation processes of the outer layers of the skin. It influences the transformation of the skin from the stratum germinativum, the inner layer, to the stratum coreum, the outer layer (epidermis).
During this process, dead skin cells migrate from the stratum germinativum to the epidermis. There they are replaced by new skin cells. This cycle causes the constant renewal of the epidermis.
If this transformation is inhibited, new skin layers cannot be formed properly. This leads to unpleasant skin changes: Skin rashes, skin bumps or wound healing disorders.
Zinc is also involved in the regulation of cysteine metabolism of the hair root. Its proper function is important for the structural strength of the hair. When it is disturbed, brittle, thin and dull hair occurs.

Strong defenses

Only with an adequate supply of zinc can T cells function normally. These cells, which are divided into T-helper, T-killer and natural killer cells, are a prerequisite for a functioning immune system.
The element influences the formation of lymphokines, which are responsible for the growth and activity of healthy immune cells.
Also the immune-strengthening macrophages can develop their full effect exclusively with sufficient zinc supply. Macrophages remove germs and foreign substances from the body and produce antibodies.
With vitamin C, the trace element forms a strong team for the body's own defenses.
So both substances are very strong antioxidants. They help the body defend itself against oxidative stress by rendering free radicals harmless.
Vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation. Thus, it makes an important contribution to the normal function of blood vessels, skin, bones, cartilage, teeth and gums.
The vitamin is also involved in energy metabolism and the function of the nervous system.
During stress or strenuous physical activity, there is often an increased need for antioxidants. To be able to cover this, a supplementary intake to the diet can be useful.

Absorption in the body

Our body can only store the vital heavy metal in small quantities and cannot produce it itself. In case of zinc deficiency, Euro Nutrador capsules can help to effectively compensate for the deficiency. Its properties help for a particularly good absorption in the body. 

The trace element forms poorly soluble complexes with phytic acid from food, which significantly inhibits its absorption. Therefore, it is difficult to consume the recommended amount through the diet.
First and foremost, phytic acid is abundant in whole grains and legumes. So just the foods in which the general diet is also rich. Because of your good dietary fiber, whole grain products and legumes are of course indispensable from a balanced diet.
The information on individual foods often mislead. Because if it says that 100 g of walnuts contain 2.70 g of zinc, few people get a concrete idea of how much 100 g of walnuts actually are. In addition, it is not completely utilized in the body, even without additional inhibiting factors, from the food.
Even from zinc-rich meat, only about 40 percent reaches the body. In pure plant foods, it is only about 15 percent.
Stress can significantly increase the need. This includes physical, as well as mental stress. But also environmental influences, such as pollutants from exhaust fumes in city air, provide stress reactions in the body.

Risk factors for zinc deficiency

Various risk groups for a zinc deficiency can prevent or counteract a deficiency by taking an additional supplement. The following factors can increasingly lead to a zinc deficiency:

age 65 years and older

In old age, less stomach acid is produced. As a result, fewer nutrients from food are also metabolized. Therefore, zinc deficiency may occur even with a healthy diet

Pregnancy and lactation

In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, zinc requirements increase significantly. The DGE recommends between 11 and 14 mg of the trace element daily for pregnant women.

Vegetarian or vegan diet

Vegetable foods contain phytates, which form solid compounds with the trace element. Thus, the body cannot absorb it and excretes it unused.

Stress

Stress increases oxidative stress in the body. This means that more free radicals are active, and the trace element plays an indispensable role in combating them

Sports

Whoever regularly makes his body really sweat through sports should check his nutrient balance. Because minerals and trace elements are flushed out through sweat to a not inconsiderable extent.

Diabetes

People with diabetes excrete zinc more through the urine due to so-called hyperzincuria. Type 2 diabetes patients in particular should ensure adequate zinc intake

Coffee, black and green tea

These popular stimulants contain tannins that inhibit zinc absorption in the body.

Alcohol and nicotine

As with other vitamins and trace elements, these stimulants are also considered zinc robbers.

For an ideal zinc intake from food, a healthy mixed diet as well as a cyclic ketogenic diet is the best choice. More and more people are opting for a purely plant-based diet. To always ensure an optimal zinc supply, the additional intake of a zinc supplement is recommended.
In the zinc gluconate from Euro Nutrador, 15 mg of the vital trace element is contained per capsule. Taken uncomplicatedly with a meal, it can contribute to a normal function of the immune system. As a powerful antioxidant, it helps significantly in cell protection.