Zinc is an important trace mineral that so many systems in our body rely on to function properly. The health of our skin, our immune cells, digestive tract, and more rely on this mineral. Zinc is a building block that helps our body construct new cells and DNA which tell our body how it’s supposed to work. We included it in Future Proof for it’s benefits to immune cells and its role in fighting off viruses.

In our supplement, we use a specific type of zinc. Zinc can be tough for the body to absorb on its own. To make it easier for the body to use, our zinc is bonded with an amino acid (the stuff our bodies need to perform the chemical reactions that keep us functioning).

Helps your body figure out best ways to fight off viruses

Zinc plays an important job in helping our immune system fight off viruses and other threats (1). Zinc activates the immune system’s “T cells.” T cells help the immune system figure out what type of response is necessary to fight off foreign invaders to help heal our body. In people who are zinc deficient, T cells may not respond as effectively to fight threats to our immunity.

Supports your immune system’s first line of defense

When thinking about your immune system, your skin is a big physical barrier that protects your body from all of the germs in the world around you. When we get a cut or scrape, our body needs to repair it quickly to protect itself from infection. One of the building blocks of skin is collagen, and zinc is essential in rebuilding collagen in our bodies. Maintaining zinc levels may help wounds heal faster, reducing our chances of getting an infection (2).

Makes it difficult for viruses to replicate in your body

Zinc can reduce the ability of a virus to replicate in the human body. When a virus gets in our body, it tries to make more and more copies of itself, taking over healthy cells and making us sick. Zinc interferes with certain types of viruses' ability to do this in the human body. Zinc is most effective when it’s taken before you get sick. Making it important to replenish your body’s supply of zinc regularly.

Try to get some Zinc from diet

Zinc is available from a variety of common sources in our diet, like eggs, shrimp, and liver. The recommended dietary allowance of Zinc differs between men and women (4). In the United States, 8 milligrams (mg) per day is suggested for women. 11 mg per day is suggested for men.

We include 5.5 mg of zinc in Future Proof to supplement the zinc you may be getting from the food you eat.

Disclaimer: It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you take any type of supplement. And if you experience any negative side effects when you are taking one, contact a healthcare expert immediately.

References

1. Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. Zinc in Wound Healing - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
3. Effect of Zinc Salts on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Replication - Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information
4. Zinc: Mayo Clinic - Retrieved from Mayo Clinic