NUTRITIONALLY ESSENTIAL MINERAL: Zinc is a trace mineral that is vital to our health as the major minerals although not required in large quantity. It helps make proteins, DNA, promotes immune defense, liver health, helps with wound healing and cell division. Zinc is crucial for the activation of 300 enzyme and there are over 2000 transcription factors that are involved in gene expression of proteins that are zinc-dependent in our body. Zenith Nutrition zinc gluconate is a superior, bioavailable vegetarian dietary supplement manufactured in a GMP-certified unit. ANTIOXIDANT & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are important contributing factors for several chronic diseases attributed to aging, cardiac disorders, cancer, neurodegeneration, immunologic disorders and the aging process itself. Zinc is very effective in decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation increases plasma antioxidant power, decreases plasma inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. REGULATES IMMUNE FUNCTION: Zinc is known to affect multiple aspects of the immune system, including neutrophils, phagocytosis, cytokine production, antibody production, and even gene regulation within your lymphocytes. Zinc deficiency is known to affect the growth and function of T and B cells. The ability of zinc to function as an antioxidant suggests that it has a role in the prevention of free radical-induced inflammatory process. Zinc supplementation is found to reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections and may shorten the duration of the common cold. SUPPORTS SKIN HEALTH: Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is vital to almost every aspect of your health. The mineral lessens the formation of free radicals, protects skin lipids and fibroblasts that make collagen. It helps reduce inflammation, produces enzymes and proteins that help protect against skin infections and heal wounds faster. Zinc regulates cell production and cell turn over, the function of the cell membrane, regulates sebum secretion and prevents clogging of pores and acne formation. HELPS SUPPORT HEART HEALTH: As per research, oxidative stress is a major predisposing factor for heart diseases. The decreased level of zinc in the diet is found to be associated with cellular damage, hypertension and cardiac dysfunction. Zinc plays a role in regulating the way calcium moves in the heart cells. Zinc supplementation has been shown to increase serum antioxidant potential and decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines which may cause potential damage to the heart cells. HELPS MAINTAIN HEALTHY VISION: Compared to other organs, the eye is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage due to its exposure to light and high metabolism. Zinc is found in ocular tissue, particularly the retina, which suggests that zinc supplementation may aid retinal health. Zinc ions are present in the enzyme, superoxide dismutase, which plays an important role in scavenging superoxide radicals. Zinc is important for maintaining the health of the retina and is needed for optimal metabolism of the eye.