Zinc: An essential trace element for immunity, skin and fertility

Zinc is an essential trace element for our health. It participates in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, playing crucial roles in immune defense, wound healing, fertility, and skin health [1]. A mild to moderate deficiency is common, especially in vegetarians, seniors, or in cases of stress or inflammatory pathologies [2] — with often subtle symptoms: fatigue, dull hair, slow wound healing, recurrent infections.

Zinc and the immune system

• It supports the function of T and NK cells, key cells of the immune system [1].
• It is associated with a reduction in the duration of viral infections, such as the common cold [3].
• It supports the immune response, especially in elderly or immunocompromised individuals [2].

👉 A Cochrane review reported that zinc supplementation, taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms, can reduce the duration of the common cold [3].

Zinc and skin: acne, wound healing, eczema

• Zinc promotes collagen synthesis, aids wound healing, and limits skin inflammation [4].
• It is used as a supplement in mild to moderate acne [5].
• It is sometimes used as a supplement in eczema or atopic skin conditions [6].

Zinc and fertility

• In men, it is associated with sperm concentration and motility [7].
• In women, it is believed to play a role in follicular maturation and hormonal regulation [8].
• Low zinc levels are frequently observed in male fertility disorders [7].

Common deficiencies and causes

• Diet low in animal products
• Vegetarian or vegan diet
• Alcoholism, chronic stress, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
• Prolonged use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors)

Which form to choose? What dosage?

• The best absorbed forms are: zinc bisglycinate, zinc picolinate, zinc gluconate [9]
• Recommended dose: between 10 and 15 mg/day for adults according to ANSES [10]
• To be taken away from meals rich in calcium or iron, which can limit its absorption

Our recommended zinc supplements

• High Absorption Zinc Bisglycinate (Doctor's Best) — highly absorbable form
• EpiCor Plus Immunity – Vitamin C, Zinc, D3 and Selenium (NOW Foods) — combined immunity formula
• Zinc, 90 capsules (Applied Nutrition) — simple course

All certified, lactose-free, preservative-free, and GMO-free.

Practical advice

• ⚠️ Do not exceed 25 mg/day of zinc without medical supervision [10]
• 🔄 Course of 1 to 3 months possible depending on indication
• ❌ Avoid concomitant intake with calcium, iron, or dairy products

Conclusion

Zinc is much more than a simple trace element. It plays an important role in immunity, skin, wound healing, and fertility, and it is often underdosed in modern diets. Discover the formulations available on Pharmaplusfrance.store.

Scientific references

1. Prasad AS. Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells. Mol Med. 2008;14(5-6):353-357. (PubMed Central)
2. Maares M, Haase H. Zinc and immunity: an essential interrelation. Nutrients. 2020.
3. Singh M, Das RR. Zinc for the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (Cochrane review)
4. Lin PH et al. Zinc in wound healing modulation. Nutrients. 2017.
5. Dreno B. Efficacy of oral zinc in inflammatory acne. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2012.
6. Wolber R. Zinc supplementation for atopic dermatitis. (source to be verified)
7. Fallah A, Mohammad-Hasani A, Hosseinzadeh Colagar A. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men’s Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization. J Reprod Infertil. 2018;19(2):69-81. (PubMed) — corrected review (originally misattributed to Biol Trace Elem Res)
8. Saleh L. Zinc supplementation and follicular function. (source to be verified)
9. Wegmüller R et al. Comparative bioavailability of zinc compounds. Br J Nutr. 2003.
10. ANSES. Recommended nutritional intakes of zinc, 2016 Report.

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