Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. There does not appear to be sufficient evidence that zinc can improve memory or learning in humans, however In a 2017 study, rats that received zinc supplements performed better in tasks that involved thinking and memory. Some research in rodents suggests that zinc may boost cognitive function. Speak with a doctor before using nasal sprays or gels that contain zinc, as the damage may be long-term or permanent. There is no reliable evidence that taking zinc prevents colds.Īlso, the NIH warn that zinc can affect the sense of smell. On the whole, studies looking at the use of zinc for colds have been of poor quality. The common coldĪ review of studies from 2011 suggests that zinc lozenges may help shorten the duration of the common cold, but only with daily doses of over 75 milligrams (mg). However, the researchers acknowledge the need for further research. Researchers looked at 63 people who had headaches, tingling, and peripheral neuropathy, as well as deficiencies in zinc and other micronutrients.Īfter treatment for these deficiencies, the participants reported improvements in their neurological symptoms. Neurological symptomsĪ small study from 2020 concluded that there may be a link between low zinc levels and neurological symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether zinc supplementation can prevent or treat this condition, and further research is necessary.įind out how to increase bone density naturally. Zinc plays an essential role in bone formation and health and may help prevent osteoporosis, according to research from 2020. Here, learn more about using zinc to treat acne. Research suggests that zinc may help treat: There is some evidence that zinc may help treat some skin diseases, as it plays a role in wound healing. However, while a zinc deficiency can have a negative impact, too much zinc may lead to toxicity, which could be harmful to sperm.Īnyone considering zinc supplements to support their sexual health should speak with a doctor. Reasons for this could include zinc’s roles as an antioxidant and hormone balancer. The authors of research from 2018 describe zinc as essential to male sexual health. Low zinc levels may lead to delayed sexual development, fertility problems, and other sexual health issues in males. Overall, some studies suggest that supplementation may help, but the evidence is not conclusive. They call for further studies and suggest that zinc might contribute to new treatment approaches. The authors of research from 2020 have found that a zinc deficiency may play a role in developing this degeneration. However, it is unlikely to prevent the degeneration. Zinc prevents cell damage in the retina, and it may help delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration and vision loss, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They recommend further studies to identify how zinc affects health and to see whether supplementation might be useful as a therapy. Research from 2018 suggests that zinc may help prevent metabolic syndrome. Scientists believe that there is a link between oxidative stress and chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other aspects of metabolic syndrome. As such, it can help reduce oxidative stress. This, they say, could lead to new treatments for wounds that are hard to heal.įind out how to make a wound heal faster. The authors call for more studies to identify precisely how zinc works in healing wounds. Research from 2018 notes that zinc plays a key role in every stage of wound healing, from skin repair to preventing infections. Healthcare professionals may recommend zinc supplements for people with persistent wounds. People with long-term wounds or ulcers often have low zinc levels. Zinc plays a role in maintaining healthy skin. There is evidence that it can shorten bouts of diarrhea, especially in those who do not have a nutritious diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend zinc supplements for infants with diarrhea. How can you stay healthy with a weak immune system? 2. Low levels of zinc can increase the risk of infections, such as pneumonia. The body needs zinc for the immune system to work properly. Zinc is crucial for various functions in the body, including: 1. Share on Pinterest FreshSplash/Getty Images
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