Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the human body

Acceptable routes : IV*Some Zinc concentrations can go IM; see stocked vial for details

Uses : Thyroid (hormone production) Musculoskeletal (increased growth factors) Neurotransmitters (fetal neural health) Mood Health (mood regulation) Immune Health (immunity signaling) Anti-inflammatory (cytokine support) 

General Information: After iron, zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the human body. It is an essential micronutrient that plays a key role in the catalysis of over 100 enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, and RNA and DNA polymerase. It assists in the synthesis of RNA and DNA, cell proliferation and differentiation, and the stabilization of cell membranes and cell structures. Zinc exerts its gene regulatory and expressive effects through the formation of zinc finger proteins. Zinc also plays a role in the regulation of the immune system. Being an essential element, it is not synthesized by the human body but must be ingested through food or mineral supplements. Some of the common food sources of zinc include beef, poultry, seafood, and grains, among others. After oral ingestion, zinc absorption occurs mainly in the ileum and duodenum and it binds to plasma proteins such as albumin in the blood. Following its metabolism, it is excreted mainly in the stool; some metabolites are also excreted in the urine and sweat, but to a significantly lower extent.

Benefits

Thyroid Health: Is a required  cofactors for the enzymes that convert T4 to T3/improves cellular sensitivity to thyroid hormones

Musculoskeletal Health/Anti-Aging/Neurotransmitter Support:Is an essential trace mineral that supports DNA synthesis, cell division, cell membrane structure, immune function, and protein synthesis. Zinc can help preserve connective tissue pliancy, which is crucial for supporting healthy collagen. In the central nervous system, zinc is essential in the formation and development of the growth factors, hormones, enzymes, and proteins during neurodevelopment; mild zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been shown to result in learning and memory abnormalities. Zinc is involved in the process of stem cell proliferation during neurogenesis. 

Mood Health:Furthermore, free zinc is found in synaptic vesicles where it acts to modulate a variety of postsynaptic receptors; in the synaptic cleft it reduces the inhibitory actions of GABA receptors. Free zinc also exerts inhibitory actions on the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.

Immune Health/Anti-inflammatory: In the immune system, zinc functions as a second messenger for immune cells; intracellular zinc participates in signaling events in immunity. It is involved in the development of monocytes and macrophages and regulates macrophagic functions such as phagocytosis and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Zinc also inhibits phosphodiesterase, resulting in increased levels of guanosine-3' 5'- cyclic monophosphate which leads to the suppression of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-a), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B), as well as other inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, zinc increases the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- alpha; this results in the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Due to these and several other actions in the immune system, zinc is considered to be a key anti-inflammatory agent in the human body

Miscellaneous: Skin Health: Studies have shown that zinc facilitates the proliferation as well as the survival of keratinocytes and the expression of melanocytes in the human skin is facilitated by zinc.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency:With zinc playing a significant role in many of the body's key processes, zinc deficiency can result in a variety of illnesses and medical disorders. Some of the clinical manifestations include, but are not limited to, the following: Hair and weight loss, delayed wound healing and skin lesions, decreased taste sensation and loss of appetite, altered cognitive and motor performance,increased susceptibility to infections due to decreased functionality in monocytes, neutrophils, granulocytes, and phagocytosis,  exacerbation of hypertension as well as other cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis as well as other abnormalities in bone mineralization and development,  decreased folate absorption which may result in macrocytic megaloblastic anemia,mental lethargy and mood disorders