Did you know that zinc can contribute to optimal functioning? This trace mineral has clout over our immune function, cellular health, and more – and if you have this nutritional deficiency, our IV therapy Toronto lounge can offer support for this. 

This mineral is considered essential because the human body cannot produce it on its own; thus, it must be obtained through dietary sources. Zinc is only required by the body in miniscule amounts – but it supports close to a hundred enzymes! These enzymes need the mineral’s help to conduct their “jobs”, such as supporting chemical reactions. Due to the fact that this mineral assists our cellular functions to stay healthy via growth and production, we must have adequate amounts in the body.

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we can conduct lab tests for your unique health needs. If a personalized nutritional assessment reveals zinc inadequacies, we may suggest consuming the nutrient through dietary intake and oral supplementation, and possibly discuss adjunct IV therapy drips. Understanding your nutrient levels can help us uncover the root of your health concerns. 

So, what exactly are the health benefits of zinc? We list them below. 

Top 8 Beneficial Effects of Zinc

• 1. Promotes growth in the human body: The mineral is mandatory for developing cellular functioning, especially during pregnancy, childhood and the teenage/young adult years. 
  2. Encourages wound healing: According to an Advances in Skin & Wound Care paper, “Zinc is associated with wound healing because of its role in … cell proliferation.” This means that all types of cells that need to rapidly multiply need zinc; examples of these cells include inflammatory cells and skin cells. 
  3. May offer an immune boost: Your immune health relies on zinc to function appropriately when it makes contact with pathogens. When the body lacks this nutrient, the immune cells may be prevented from protecting against viruses.
  4. Might offer help for eye health: Zinc levels are concentrated in the eyes, and could contribute to improving age-related eye conditions. According to one study, zinc supplementation in elderly adults was linked to the slowdown of macular deterioration.
  5. Could have positive effects on mood: Mineral deficiencies can impact mood levels. Zinc can help increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor) in the emotional part of the brain. When you lack zinc, you can also lack amounts of BDNF, which consequently impacts your mood.   
  6. Could help optimize metabolism: “Zinc plays an important role in enzyme function and metabolic regulation, and is a significant modulator of appetite and eating behaviors,” explains a review from Advances in Nutrition.
  7. Could help regulate blood sugar levels: Further research is needed, though a healthy diet with adequate zinc could offer aid in delaying or preventing type II diabetes, while promoting blood sugar management. According to a study from Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, “…zinc supplementation could significantly improve blood sugar outcomes, including the primary outcome of FG [fasting glucose],”
  8. May also support cardiovascular health: Studies have shown that several heart disease conditions have been linked to low vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, vitamin D and zinc levels. The mineral may play a role in keeping your heart healthy, especially since it contains antioxidant properties. It may interest you to check out our previous article in our IV therapy Toronto Lounge on 12 magnesium facts.

Understanding Supplementation

As we explained, this deficiency may be addressed through diet and supplementation. You may be advised to consume the Mediterranean diet, as it can lower your intake of processed foods and boost your intake of plant-based items. According to a study on patients with metabolic syndrome, zinc-rich foods from the Mediterranean diet – in addition to a weight-loss exercise regime – resulted in cardiovascular improvements. Regular oral tablets, capsules, powders, etc. may also be advised for alleviating mineral deficiencies, including zinc. 

Intravenous therapy drips may also assist with “leveling up” nutrient levels, but these are administered along with regular oral supplementation as an adjuvant treatment. They provide an entire absorption of nutrients, so you’re assured of getting the dosage prescribed. The oral route can offer beneficial effects, too, but because everything you eat requires digestion, you can lose some amounts of nutrients through this filtrating function. IV nutrient therapy, on the other hand, inserts an IV tube into your vein; this bypasses your digestive tract and enters your blood stream for immediate use. 

IV vitamin therapy is suitable for patients with malabsorption, as oral supplementation can cause these individuals to have unwanted side effects (i.e. nausea). At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC), zinc may be provided as an IV boost and may be uniquely tailored with other key vitamins, such as vitamin C and a high dose of glutathione, for your biological needs. 

Our clinicians support each patient’s potential in reaching optimal health. We’re currently accepting new patients who want to benefit from a personalized treatment service – this includes tailored treatments using oral supplementation, integrative therapies, or adjunctive intravenous therapy. Learn about our clinic in the final section. 

Contact our IV Lounge Inside the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

With our custom approach to wellness, the TFMC can tend to individual patient needs with integrative functional medicine tools. By understanding your core components, including your quality of life, medical history (genetics), lifestyle/environmental factors, health goals, and lab results, we target your personal health needs directly. This can help promote symptom relief and possibly prevent chronic disease formation. Tailored treatment plans may be adapted for a wide range of health conditions, including autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities, brain fog, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, poor hair growth, weak muscle function, and more. 

Our IV Lounge is designed to administer supportive IV therapy drips. In addition to regular oral supplementation, healthy daily activities, a balanced diet and other treatment modalities, intravenous drips may encourage optimal function. Each IV drip is compounded freshly with no added preservatives, and we ensure that our menu contains optimal nutrients, such as major minerals and trace minerals such as zinc, amino acids, glutamic acid, ascorbic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, and other natural ingredients. 

Our compassionate health team is aware that comfort matters. We monitor each IV drip session closely to ensure that you’re safely (and snuggly!) seated for your vitamin drip; sessions are supervised by our medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, registered nurses and nurse practitioner. Let us know if you have any questions!

Naturally nourish your body with nutrients – the TFMC health team can help alleviate nutrient deficiencies, improve energy production, promote the repair of cells, and more. Call us to request your initial visit with an IV therapy Toronto provider.  

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Abdollahi, S., Toupchian, O., Jayedi, A., Meyre, D., Tam, V., & Soltani, S. (2020). Zinc Supplementation and Body Weight: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Advances in Nutrition, 11(2), 398-411. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmz084

“Can Zinc Help with Anxiety and Depression?” PsychCentral, medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, by Saundra Montijo on March 28, 2022, viewed on November 25, 2023. 

Collins, Nancy PhD, RD, LD/N. Zinc Supplementation: Yea or Nay?. Advances in Skin & Wound Care 16(5):p 226-230, September 2003.

“Diets high in protein, zinc and vitamin B3 boost heart health, study finds” by Brian P. Dunleavy, UPI Health News, posted May 3, 2022, viewed on November 24, 2023. 

Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001. 12, Zinc. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222317/

Karcioglu ZA. Zinc in the eye. Surv Ophthalmol. 1982 Sep-Oct;27(2):114-22. doi: 10.1016/0039-6257(82)90195-3. PMID: 6755784.

Li, J., Cao, D., Huang, Y., Chen, B., Chen, Z., Wang, R., Dong, Q., Wei, Q., & Liu, L. (2022). Zinc Intakes and Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 798078. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.798078

Liu, E., Pimpin, L., Shulkin, M., Kranz, S., Duggan, C. P., Mozaffarian, D., & Fawzi, W. W. (2018). Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Growth Outcomes in Children under 5 Years of Age. Nutrients, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10030377

Lönnerdal, B. (2000). Dietary Factors Influencing Zinc Absorption. The Journal of Nutrition, 130(5), 1378S-1383S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/130.5.1378S

Maxfield L, Shukla S, Crane JS. Zinc Deficiency. [Updated 2023 Jun 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493231/

Mlyniec K. Interaction between Zinc, GPR39, BDNF and Neuropeptides in Depression. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021;19(11):2012-2019. doi: 10.2174/1570159X19666210225153404. PMID: 33632103; PMCID: PMC9185795.

Newsome DA, Swartz M, Leone NC, Elston RC, Miller E. Oral zinc in macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 1988 Feb;106(2):192-8. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1988.01060130202026. PMID: 3277606.

Prasad, A. S. (2008). Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells. Molecular Medicine, 14(5-6), 353-357. https://doi.org/10.2119/2008-00033.Prasad

Roohani N, Hurrell R, Kelishadi R, Schulin R. Zinc and its importance for human health: An integrative review. J Res Med Sci. 2013 Feb;18(2):144-57. PMID: 23914218; PMCID: PMC3724376.

Sangeetha, V. J., Dutta, S., Moses, J. A., & Anandharamakrishnan, C. (2022). Zinc nutrition and human health: Overview and implications. EFood, 3(5), e17. https://doi.org/10.1002/efd2.17

Yang, H., Hung, K., Chuang, M., Chang, R., Chen, R., Wang, F., Wu, J., & Chen, J. (2023). Effect of zinc supplementation on blood sugar control in the overweight and obese population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 17(4), 308-317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2023.06.003