It is especially important in the prostate gland where supplemental zinc has been shown to decrease prostate inflammation.  Zinc is a regulator of the immune system ensuring that cells for identifying and killing microbes, viruses and cancerous cells are in good working order.  Zinc is a cofactor for the antioxidant system superoxide dismutase (SOD).  Antioxidants neutralize free radicals.  They are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage.  Zinc also speeds wound healing and is used for the healing of burns and surgical incisions.  Zinc is involved in the sensory organs, the eyes, nose and taste buds.

One of the first signs of zinc deficiency can be altered taste and smell.  Zinc regulates the activity of insulin, for blood sugar control, thyroid hormone, for metabolism and the digestion of sugar and protein.  Natural health practitioners use zinc for a variety of health concerns including; acne, benign prostatic hyperplasia, colds, flus, diabetes, diaper rash, stomach ulcers, macular degeneration, impotence, osteoporosis, eczema and wound healing. 

The supplemental forms of zinc are the inorganic zinc sulphate and the organic zinc gluconate and zinc picolinate.  The chelated, organic forms of zinc, picolinate and gluconate, are easier for the body to use.  Zinc is usually found in tablet form or as lozenges, for use during colds.  Zinc is also a part of multivitamin/mineral formulas and some immune boosting and antioxidant formulas.  A special form of zinc called zinc monomethionine is used as an antioxidant.  It has antioxidant activity equivalent to that of vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.  It is often recommended to take a copper supplement concurrently with zinc, usually in a ratio of 10-15mg of zinc to 1mg copper.

Zinc levels are decreased by diarrhea, kidney disease, liver disease, alcoholism and diabetes.  Zinc is not absorbed when it is consumed with fibre, phytates (found in grains and legumes), hard water, calcium, copper and iron.  Zinc is lost through perspiration so supplementation may be helpful for athletes, those who live in hot climates and those who regularly use saunas or steam rooms.  Zinc is depleted by the following medications: oral contraceptives, some diuretics, ulcer medications, antiviral medication and some antibiotics.  Much of our food is deficient in zinc due to poor soil levels of the mineral.  Food processing techniques destroy zinc.