| Facts About Zinc and the Immune System
Zinc plays a vital role in immunity, the special senses, wound healing, prostatic function, rheumatoid arthritis and acne. Adequate zinc levels in the tissue are necessary for proper function of the immune system. Zinc deficiency results in an increased susceptibility to infection.
Zinc appears to be vital for normal function of the thymus gland, the synthesis and secretion of thymic hormones, and the protection of the thymus from cellular damage.
Several defects in immune function related to aging are reversible upon zinc supplementation, highlighting the importance of this nutrient to the elderly.
As well as stimulation of the immune system, zinc has displayed virus inhibiting activity. In one double-blind clinical study, zinc supplementation significantly reduced the average duration of colds by seven days.
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