Zinc Picolinate Supplement Benefits

What is zinc picolinate supplement?
Zinc picolinate is a form of zinc bound with picolinic acid, designed to make zinc easier for your body to absorb. 
Research shows that zinc picolinate is more effectively absorbed compared to other forms of zinc like zinc citrate or zinc gluconate. 
In fact, it leads to higher zinc levels in your hair, urine, and blood, meaning your body can actually use the zinc you’re taking. 
This superior absorption makes zinc picolinate a popular choice for those wanting to ensure they’re getting the most out of their supplement, whether for immune support, skin healing, or reproductive health.
Zinc picolinate can also help in specific conditions like diarrhoea, where zinc plays a key role in reducing symptoms by inhibiting three of the four main intracellular pathways of ion secretion in the gut. 
This form of zinc also supports those with wound healing issues, as zinc deficiency is known to slow down recovery and lead to skin problems like dermatitis. 

What does zinc do in your body?
Zinc is essential for a wide variety of biological functions. Here’s how it impacts your body:
1. Boosts your immune system
Zinc plays a critical role in immune function. It reduces the severity of colds by possibly acting as a competitive inhibitor for ICAM-1, a receptor that allows cold viruses (rhinoviruses) to attach to nasal cells. Zinc supplementation has also been shown to lower the risk of childhood pneumonia by supporting the immune response.
2. Speeds up wound healing
Zinc is involved in enzyme systems like matrix metalloproteinases, which help break down damaged tissue and promote skin cell movement, speeding up the healing of cuts and wounds.  Zinc’s antioxidant properties also protect against bacteria and harmful toxins, making recovery smoother and faster. Zinc deficiency, on the other hand, delays healing and can cause skin issues such as perioral dermatitis. In cases like leg ulcers, topical zinc has been found to work better than oral supplementation for promoting healing.
3. Supports growth and development
Zinc is particularly important in childhood for proper growth. A meta-analysis of 33 trials across different countries found that zinc supplementation significantly improved children’s height and weight, especially where growth issues were present. This indicates that zinc alone can combat growth retardation, regardless of other deficiencies.
4. Improves digestion and insulin function
Zinc helps with the breakdown of carbohydrates and improves insulin sensitivity, playing a key role in managing blood sugar levels. In people with diabetes, zinc supports the formation of insulin crystals in the pancreas, and it has been shown to help regulate metabolic functions, reducing risks like high blood pressure and elevated LDL cholesterol.
5. Fights oxidative stress
Zinc’s antioxidant properties protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. This protection is particularly important for reducing inflammation and supporting long-term health, as it prevents oxidative damage that can lead to chronic diseases.
6. Reduces copper levels
Zinc also has the unique ability to lower copper levels in the body, making it an effective treatment for conditions like Wilson’s disease, where excess copper builds up in the body. It works by stimulating the production of a copper-binding molecule in the gut, which traps copper and prevents it from entering the bloodstream.
In cases like sepsis, zinc is redistributed from the blood to the liver, and research suggests that monitoring or supplementing zinc could improve outcomes for septic patients. 
Overall, zinc does a lot more than you might expect—it’s crucial for everything from immune function to metabolic health, and zinc picolinate ensures you get the most out of this vital mineral.

Zinc picolinate supplement health benefits
1. Protects kidneys from damage
2. May boost reproductive health 
3. Has potential in preventing tumour growth
4. Improves taste sensitivity
5. Helps reduce oxidative stress
6. Supports antioxidant enzyme activity
7. Enhances zinc absorption