What are the benefits of zinc?
Zinc is an essential mineral required by our body to carry out various vital functions. Some of these include promoting wound healing, shortening the duration of cold infections, preventing cell damage in the retina and delaying the progression of age-related vision loss, promoting bone formation, supporting sexual health, helping in curbing diarrhea, and enhancing immune system function. Studies also suggest that it plays a role in controlling chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome and boosting cognitive function and neurological symptoms (Nordqvist, 2021).
Can zinc deficiency cause alopecia?
Hair loss is one of the symptoms of zinc deficiency. It can occur because of a range of different conditions of temporary and permanent nature along with the autoimmune disorder termed Alopecia Areata. Zinc deficiency acts as one of the factors that can trigger and exacerbate autoimmune alopecia. Hair loss of varying degrees can be experienced on hair-bearing parts of the body and can cause partial or complete loss of hair (Sarah, n.d.). In a small study, alocepia was shown to slow or cure alopecia by zinc supplementation in people who were zinc deficient.
Why does zinc deficiency occur?
Zinc deficiency often occurs because of insufficient intake of zinc through diet. Especially vegans and people who follow strict diet regimes get deficient in zinc. In the case of people who have gut disorders or liver diseases, they may be unable to absorb zinc from diet adequately too. One more factor can be medicines that cause zinc to be excreted out in the urine. Babies who are exclusively breastfed may also experience zinc deficiency. (Foods high in zinc, 2021).
Dietary source of zinc
Eating nuts/almonds can boost your intake of zinc. Pecans, brazil nuts and almonds deliver about 1 mg of zinc per ounce. Nuts also offer healthy fats, lots of fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Other foods high in zinc include: avacado, spinach, mushrooms and shellfish. Zinc supplements are also available in the form of pills, lozenges, and capsules (Foods high in zinc, 2021).
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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