Ingredient Feature: Food-Grade Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is applicable across the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and industrial industries depending on its form. Consumable zinc is gaining attention in dietary supplements due to its many benefits.
According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, the body needs a trace amount of zinc in order to function. It is vital for nearly 100 enzymes to chemically react and it supports the creation of DNA, building proteins, healing wounds, cell division, maintaining a healthy immune system, proper taste and smell, and bolstering cell growth. It is essential during periods of rapid growth during childhood, adolescence and pregnancy.
A health writer from WebMD, E.J. Mundell, reported in September 2020 that researchers at a European coronavirus conference shared that “hospitalized COVID-19 patients with low blood levels of zinc tended to fare worse than those with healthier levels.” Although there is no direct correlation between COVID-19 and zinc, the team lead, Dr. Roberto Guerri-Fernandez of the Hospital Del Mar in Barcelona, said, “Lower zinc levels at admission correlate with higher inflammation in the course of infection and poorer outcome.”
Unfortunately, the human body doesn’t have any way to store zinc. A daily intake is required in order to maintain the body’s functions, listed above. Zinc is naturally found in oysters, red meat and poultry, with the latter two providing the majority of zinc in the American diet according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While fortified breakfast cereals, beans, nuts, whole grains and dairy products contain zinc, they contain a chemical that binds zinc and inhibits absorption: phytates. For a complete table of foods that naturally contain zinc, visit the NIH website.
This leaves zinc dietary supplements as a premier option for consumers to get a proper daily dose, especially for vegans, vegetarians and those looking to avoid large amounts of red meat and poultry. Pharmaceutical applications with zinc typically include one of several derivatives of food-grade zinc including zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate and zinc acetate. The elemental zinc content varies by form.
Consumable food-grade zinc often appears in standard pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, as well as some types of lozenges for colds and the flu that are labeled as dietary supplements. It also can be present in homeopathic medications, over-the-counter treatments and other medications. At Market Acceleration Group, we offer the highest quality zinc in various forms partnering with premier manufacturers across North America. Our food-grade zinc offerings are seamless additions for manufacturers looking to add this popular ingredient to their dietary supplement formulations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you’re interested in a sample at info@barentzma.com.