What Are the Benefits of Zinc Sulfate?

Zinc is essential to good health. Taking a zinc sulfate supplement is one way to ensure that you're getting enough of this crucial trace element.

Facts

• Zinc plays a critical role in protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. More than 300 enzymes in the human body require zinc to function properly. Zinc is vital to the immune system, reproduction, digestion, cell growth, taste, smell, memory, and healing.

Benefits

• Zinc sulfate has been shown to combat acne, peptic ulcers, leg ulcers, infertility, childhood malnutrition, and even the common cold. Zinc also possesses antioxidant properties, protecting the body from free radicals.

Sources

• Dairy products, nuts, seeds, lentils, and wholegrain cereals are all excellent dietary sources of zinc.

Considerations

• Not getting enough zinc can lead to a number of health problems. The signs of a zinc deficiency include hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea, body tissue degeneration, poor night vision, decreased sense of smell, decreased sense of taste, inability to fight infection, and poor healing.

Prevention/Solution

• Ingesting 15mg of zinc a day is enough to avoid a deficiency.

Warnings

• Zinc Sulfate is most often used in supplements because it's the cheapest form of zinc. However, it's also the hardest to absorb, meaning it can sometimes cause nausea, heart burn, and upset stomach.