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

Zinc is a trace element essential to our health. It participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, with crucial roles in immune defense, healing, fertility, and skin health [1]. A mild to moderate deficiency is common, especially in vegetarians, seniors, or in cases of stress or inflammatory conditions [2] — with symptoms that are often subtle: fatigue, dull hair, slow healing, recurring 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, particularly in the elderly or immunocompromised [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, healing, eczema

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

Zinc and fertility

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

Common deficiencies and causes

• Diets low in animal products
• Vegetarian or vegan diets
• Alcoholism, chronic stress, 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]
• Take outside of meals rich in calcium or iron, which can limit its absorption

Our recommended zinc supplements

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

All certified, free from lactose, preservatives, and GMOs.

Practical advice

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

Conclusion

Zinc is much more than a simple trace element. It plays an important role in immunity, skin, healing, and fertility, and it is often under-dosed 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.
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 (initially incorrectly attributed to Biol Trace Elem Res)
8. Saleh L. Zinc supplementation and follicular function.
9. Wegmüller R et al. Comparative bioavailability of zinc compounds. Br J Nutr. 2003.
10. ANSES. Recommended nutritional intake for zinc, 2016 Report.

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