What is Zinc and What Does It Do?

02 May, 2020

You’ve likely heard your fair share about ways to help keep your immune system strong lately. One of the many suggestions is to use zinc. What exactly is zinc and why do people swear by it? 

Zinc is a trace mineral, meaning your body only needs it in small amounts. While only a little bit of zinc is needed, it happens to play a big role when it comes to good health. 

Curious about zinc and what it does to support immune health? 

Check it out. 

Zinc 101: What It Is & What It Does

Zinc is an element that impacts several functions in the body. It’s responsible for stimulating the activity of over 100 enzymes and is critical for maintaining a healthy immune system. 

The body needs zinc to keep the immune system running smoothly. While rare in the United States, zinc deficiencies can cause us to be more vulnerable to harmful invaders.

How exactly does zinc influence the immune system? While the relationship between the two is complex, research shows that a protein known as NF-kB pulls zinc into the immune cells that work the fastest to fight pathogens. Once inside, zinc interacts with these cells to promote a balanced immune response. Just as an under-active immune system isn’t ideal, neither is an overactive one.

It’s no wonder zinc is so popular! 

Zinc is responsible for assisting the body in making protein and DNA, the genetic material contained in all cells, at every stage of life. This mineral is also believed to regulate the way neurons communicate with each other. Researchers suggest that zinc is helpful for the proper function of the hippocampus, ultimately affecting how we learn and how our memories are formed.  

For a trace element that the body needs so little of, zinc plays an integral role in health and wellness on several different levels. 

How Much Zinc Does The Body Need?

The Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) of zinc is based on age. Adult women are encouraged to get 8mg per day, while adult men should have 11mg daily. 

Because zinc isn’t stored in the body, the best way to get your RDA is through your diet or a supplement. 

Zinc is found in several food sources. Oysters are the richest source of zinc that exists, containing over 600% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) in each 3.5 ounce serving. Zinc is found abundantly in red meat, dark chicken meat, turkey and lamb. Lobster and crab also contain a good amount of zinc. 

Vegetarians can find zinc in all legumes, including lentils, beans and chickpeas. Nuts like almonds and cashews are also good meat-free sources of zinc. You’ll also find zinc in many fortified cereals. Vegetarians should keep in mind that they could require up to 50% more of the RDI of zinc because it contains a lower bioavailability when sourced from plant-based foods. 

What if I’m not getting enough zinc in my diet?

Zinc supplements are a popular way to give the body’s natural defenses a little extra support. Just as CBD is helpful in promoting balance in the body, zinc is helpful in promoting balance in the immune system. 

If you’re not getting a sufficient amount of zinc in your diet, do not have zinc-rich foods available, or simply want to make sure you’re getting enough, zinc supplements may be a great option.

With twice the daily value of vitamin C and 100% of your daily value of zinc, Joy Organics Vitamin C + Herbal Complex is a great way to offer your body extra support whenever you need it most.

As with anything health-related, it’s always advised to speak to your doctor or a health care practitioner before starting a supplement, including zinc.  

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

Thanks for reading! To show how much we appreciate you, we’re going to give you 16% off your next order. Just use code READER16 at checkout!

dr kimberly
dr kimberly
star icon
Joy Organics CBD contains a variety of phytonutrients and can offer an array of benefits for both mental and physical health. DR. KIMBERLY LANGDON

Dr Langdon is one of the more than 1000 healthcare professionals who use and recommend our products.

Join in on the Conversation

Your email address will not be published. Once your comment is approved, it will be published.

Take our 30-second quiz. get personalized solutions.

Join The
Joy Organics Family

Sign up and get updates on new products, as well as special coupons and discounts.

Related Blog Posts

Is Joy Organics FDA Approved?
Celebrating these 9 Women Who've Transformed Our Approach to Wellness
Top 3 High Potency CBD Products
The Power of Mitochondrial Health for Optimal Aging
Latest Discoveries on Optimizing Brain Health for a Lifetime
Joy Organics Gift Guide 2024
7 Tips for Connecting with Difficult Family Members over the Holidays
How You Can Stay Healthy This Winter
Add CBD to Your Favorite Recipes with our NEW Water-Soluble CBD Capsules
5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Core
Social Prescriptions: A New Kind of Doctor’s Order
Performing a Breast Exam on Yourself: A Few Tips
What to Do (And Not to Do) if You Can’t Fall Back Asleep
How to Manage Stress Like an ER Doctor
Top Foods for a Flourishing Gut
Top Foods and Drinks That Often Contain Hidden Mold
How Is AI Transforming Our Approach to Health & Wellness?
10 Healthy Habits Every Parent Should Teach Their Kids
Joy Organics: Putting the “Real” in Beauty
What are CBG Benefits? An Intro to the Mother of All Cannabinoids
Top 10 CBD Isolate Products
Top 10 High Potency CBD Products
Best Way to Extract THC from Weed
Best Ways to Maximize Edibles
Delta 8 THC: Where to Get It
Delta 8 THC Flower Wholesale Guide
Delta 9 THC e Liquid + CBD Guide to Full Spectrum Vape Juice
Does HHC Contain THC?
How Long Do THC Disposables Last?
Check out the 10 Best CBD Bath Bombs!
Top 6 CBD Cat Treats for Feline Wellness in 2024
Top 6 CBD Edibles for a Relaxing Experience in 2024
The Top 6 CBD Shampoos of 2024: A Comprehensive Review
The Ultimate Guide to the Best CBD Lube for Enhanced Pleasure
Top 7 Marijuana Seed Banks: Unearthing the Best Cannabis Seeds in 2024
Elevate Your Morning Ritual: Top 6 CBD Coffee Brands of the Year
Where to Get Bulk Delta 8 THC: From Gummies to Carts Wholesale
Delta 8 Gummy Effects: How Long for D8 Edibles to Kick In?
The Ultimate Guide to Delta 9 Gummies Peach Rings
How Long Are THC Cartridges Good?
Does HHC Have THC? Will Consuming HHC Test Positive for THC?
THC Diamonds: The Precious Gems of Cannabis Concentrates
How to Determine the Best CBD THC Ratio for Sleep and Other Potential Wellness Benefits
Need a Delta 8 Gummy Recipe? A Guide to THC Gummies Homemade
Gummy Bears with THC in Them: What to Know About Shopping for Cannabis Gummies
High THC Indica Strains to Optimize the Relaxing Effects of Cannabis
Are Delta 9 THC Beverages an Alternative to Drinking Alcohol?
Delta 8 THC Isolate vs. Delta 8 THC Distillate Uses
Bright vs. Dark: Green Weed Names for the Earthiest Marijuana Buds

Sign up for our email list and unlock exclusive perks!

Be the first to hear about new products, get early access to discounts And promotions, and enjoy expert tips on CBD and overall wellness.

Join our community today and take the first step toward feeling your best!