For a good reason, many individuals turn to zinc lozenges and tablets when they feel under the weather.

Zinc is not only one of the most prevalent trace elements in your body, but it also plays an integral part in almost every facet of health. Zinc, for example, is necessary as a cofactor for over 300 distinct enzymes, which means it is essential for their regular operation.

Furthermore, research indicates that this mineral may improve immunological function, maintain blood sugar levels, and promote skin, eye, and heart health, so there are many reasons to obtain your daily dosage.

The benefits of zinc picolinate can be beneficial for many people, particularly those who are suffering from a wide range of ailments. These ailments include Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, and HIV-related diarrhea. However, if you’re looking for a supplement that can provide these types of benefits, it’s essential to be sure that it contains all the necessary components.

Alzheimer’s disease

Among the zinc picolinate benefits is an effective therapy to slow down the cognitive deterioration of Alzheimer’s disease. Several preliminary AD clinical trials have shown that zinc supplementation may improve mental performance. However, large practices have yet to be conducted. 

Zinc is an essential cofactor for many cellular proteins. It acts on glutamate receptors and voltage-gated ion channels in the brain. 

Zinc is essential for the brain’s physiology and development. It also acts as a cofactor for thymulin, a protein required for the maturation of T cells.

The ZnT family of proteins in the brain mainly regulates the zinc level. Abnormalities in this family can cause zinc toxicity.

The homeostasis of trace metals is believed to be abnormal in Alzheimer’s disease. A subset of patients exhibits increased levels of non-ceruloplasmin copper.

Diabetes

Zinc has been used in many ways to treat different types of diabetes. Some of the most common benefits include lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels. The supplement also improves insulin sensitivity, which can help the body use the hormone efficiently. In addition, zinc can also improve the healing time after surgery.

A new study suggests that zinc may be essential in treating prediabetes and gestational diabetes. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, participants with a history of gestational diabetes received calcium, magnesium, or zinc supplements. The results showed that the participants who took zinc showed better-fasting blood sugar levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced glycated hemoglobin.

The supplement also reduced the number of blood triglycerides and fatty acids in the blood. These results support previous studies that indicate that zinc can help correct an abnormal blood lipid profile.

Esophageal cancer

If you’ve been considering a zinc supplement for esophageal cancer, you may be pleased to know that new research suggests that zinc picolinate may help. It appears to prevent cancer cells from proliferating and dividing. However, it’s important to note that this effect must be apparent.

Researchers have investigated zinc’s potential benefits in esophageal cancer for decades. However, the role of zinc in cancer prevention has been inconsistent, with some studies showing it has no significant impact.

Zinc deficiency is widespread in esophageal cancer patients. The disease is caused by acid reflux, which occurs when food or drink leaks back into the esophagus. When the reflux is not controlled, it can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition that can turn into cancer.

Early studies showed that zinc deficiency was associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Several large clinical trials have investigated the effects of zinc in esophageal tumors. But while some studies have shown a correlation, most have been randomized or case-control studies.

HIV-related diarrhea

While it’s unlikely that Zinc picolinate is your cup of tea, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a vitamin-like substance that isn’t as harmful as it sounds. Having a few extra micrograms a day might help you out in a pinch. The vitamin has also been shown to help ward off opportunistic infections. Over a third of HIV+ adults suffer from parasitic infections at some point. Keeping these in check can lead to a healthier life. Fortunately, zinc has many benefits, from improving skin tone to boosting libido levels. Zinc has been found to increase fertility in women. One study, in particular, showed that the zinc-enriched woman could conceive an estimated 50 extra fetuses. Zinc picolinate is an excellent ally in the war against infectious diseases. It should be of particular note to parents of HIV-infected kids.

Age-related macular degeneration

There is a lot of debate over the benefits of zinc. While the medical community debates whether or not there is an actual association between dietary intake and AMD, several studies are to be found in the literature. It has been touted as a possible savior for some, but most studies still need to be more conclusive.

There are several ways to get your hands on this mineral, from ingesting it via food to eating it through supplements. One more exciting thing is that it helps fight off colds. The same goes for the fact that it helps with night blindness. Zinc has been used for many medical ailments, from AIDS/HIV-related complications to severe head injuries. Several high-profile patients have reported a more than 50% reduction in their disease progression rate.