Bhagyashree highlights the importance of zinc to boost immunity: ‘Just a little bit, will keep your life fit’

According to Dr Rajesh Kumar, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram, "The recommended daily intake of zinc is 8-11 milligrams per day for women and 11-12 milligrams per day for men."

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | April 17, 2023 06:20 PM IST

3 min read

"We all know the consequences of having a deficiency of vitamin B12 and D3. However, to maintain the immunity of your body it is important to have sufficient levels of zinc," she said. (Source: Bhagyashree/ Instagram)

In the last few years, all of us have understood the need and importance of strengthening immunity and the vital role it plays in maintaining overall health. New infections, viruses, pollution, and the changing environment can pose challenges to our health, all of which can be kept at bay or managed by a strong immune system. As such, while there are many ways to build immunity, one micronutrient that has a macro effect on immunity and can help you battle diseases is — zinc.

“It is an essential nutrient for human health and is involved in a variety of bodily functions, including immune system function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and growth and development,” Dr Rajesh Kumar, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram, told indianexpress.com.

Highlighting the same, Bhagyashree Dassani, actor and nutritionist, took to Instagram to share the importance of zinc. “We all know the consequences of having a deficiency of vitamin B12 and D3. However, to maintain the immunity of your body it is important to have sufficient levels of zinc,” she said, adding that zinc is important for the growth of immune cells in the body, which protect us from viruses and bacteria.

“It is also important to heal wounds, and for our sense of smell and taste. It also protects us from various age-related diseases,” she continued.

Bhagyashree was quick to mention that since zinc cannot be produced by the body, one must consume foods that contain zinc, such as eggs, fish, meat. For vegetarians, it is yoghurt, blueberries, mushrooms, broccoli and kale. “Zinc just a little bit, will keep your life fit,” she said.

Adding to this, Dr Kumar said, “Zinc supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and lozenges. They should be taken with food to avoid upset stomach.” Informing that the recommended daily intake of zinc is 8-11 milligrams per day for women and 11-12 milligrams per day for men, she shared that pregnant and lactating women may need higher amounts of zinc.

Here are the detailed benefits of zinc, as per Dr Kumar:

Boosts immune system

Zinc supplements stimulate particular immune cells and reduce oxidative stress. A deficiency of zinc can lead to a weakened immune response.

Accelerates wound healing

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Zinc is commonly used in hospitals as a treatment for burns, skin injuries, and certain ulcers. Since this mineral helps in collagen synthesis, immune functions and tackling inflammatory response, it is necessary for proper healing.

Reduce the risk of age-related diseases

Zinc may significantly reduce risk of age-related diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It also boosts the activity of T-cells and natural killer cells, which help protect your body from infection.

May help treat acne

Acne is driven by clogging of pores, bacteria-building and inflammation. Studies suggest that both topical and oral zinc treatments can help manage acne by inhibiting the growth of P. acnes bacteria.

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