Zinc is considered an antioxidant. Zinc is also a natural antibacterial and anti-viral mineral. Zinc is found in all body fluids: therefore Zinc is a front line defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body. Zinc stops the replication process of the virus or bacteria. Those body fluids containing the most water also contain the most Zinc. Examples of such body fluids are tears, mucous, saliva and urine.

Zinc must be in proper balance to assist over 25 enzymatic functions, including digestion, metabolism, and reproduction. Often food processing removes all Zinc from the food we eat. Without Zinc in our diets, the proper assimilation of vitamins is nearly impossible.

Normal growth and development of young people is very dependent upon Zinc. The normal maintenance of body tissue, sexual functions, and chemical detoxification are all closely related to the amount of Zinc in the body. Zinc is also very important in the workings of the immune system and the synthesis of DNA in our cells. Recovery time after a major surgery is greatly decreased when the body contains the proper amount of Zinc.

Zinc is stored in the thyroid, pancreas, liver, kidneys, bones, voluntary muscles, prostate, sperm, skin, hair, nails, white corpuscles and whites of the eyes.

Many people in our society are very deficient in Zinc. One of the major symptoms is underarm odor. Therefore, selling underarm deodorants in this country has become a multibillion-dollar industry. That's largely due to the fact that many "normal" people have a Zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency can lead to a wide variety of degenerative diseases. Low amounts of Zinc during pregnancy can result in numerous birth defects such as Down syndrome, clef lip, spinabifdia, clubbed limbs, hernias, and umbilical cord hernias.

Some Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency:

Angina, Alzheimer's, anemia, alcoholism, acne, anorexia or bulimia, body odor, birth defects, cavities, Cohn's disease, depression, diabetes, free radical damage, eye diseases, herpes, hypertension, hair loss, infertility, infection, loss of smell and taste, miscarriages, obesity, PMS, still births, thyroid disorders, urinary track disorders, and underarm odor.

Note:

Zinc benefits and/or deficiency symptoms are generic for the mineral. No product claims are being made or implied.