Zinc
Zinc is a linchpin nutrient and the 'gatekeeper of immunity,' crucial for T-cell production, viral defense, and healing. Beyond immunity, it's vital for hormonal health, gut integrity, neurotransmitte...
Type
mineral
Forms
4 available
Innate Stores
Minimal
Dosage
Zinc is a linchpin nutrient and the "gatekeeper of immunity," crucial for T-cell production, the endocrine system, viral defense, and healing. Modern deficiency is widespread due to soil depletion, high-grain diets (phytates bind zinc), stress, and copper overload from modern plumbing and birth control.
Beyond immunity, zinc is vital for testosterone production and libido in men, estrogen balance in women through aromatase inhibition, gut lining integrity, skin repair, neurotransmitter function (dopamine, GABA), retinol metabolism, and heavy metal detoxification.
Key Functions
- Master regulator of immune function and viral defense
- Hormonal optimization (testosterone, estrogen balance)
- Gut barrier and skin integrity maintenance
- Neurotransmitter support and brain fog prevention
- Heavy metal binding and environmental detox
- Wound healing and tissue repair acceleration
Best Food Sources
- Oysters (~5 mg per unit, gold standard)
- Red meat (beef, lamb: ~6 mg per 100g)
- Organ meats (especially liver)
- Shellfish (crab)
- Pumpkin seeds and cashews (lower bioavailability)