Zinc ascorbate is an antioxidant mineral and an immune booster. While the antioxidant activity of ascobic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is enhanced when zinc is present, zinc itself plays an important role in our immune system and other metabolic processes. Zinc ascorbate can also be better absorbed than the inorganic zinc salts. Our body does contain a large number of zinc deposits in bones and muscles, but these are not readily available for use in cell growth. Under conditions where zinc is readily available, it is subject to high turnover rates, leading to deficiency if supply is not supplmented.
Other than improving the functions of the immune system, zinc is necessary to a number of other bodily functions such as senses of taste and smell. It is also required for the production of insulin and for maintaining a healthy liver function by assisting with the release of vitamin A from the liver. Moreover, the reproductive organs and prostate glands require zinc for proper functioning. Low levels of zinc is one of the causes of male infertility and zinc supplements are found to increase the formation of spems and their motility, especially for smokers. Another pathway zinc is essential in is the synthesis of some proteins and genetic material.
Deficiencies in zinc can impact the growth and repair of cells such as tissues and skin maintenance. Severe deficiency in zinc can cause a vairety of manifestations including cell-mediated immunodysfunction, emotional disorder, weight loss, and improper healing of ulcers to name a few, and the conditions could be fatal. Mild and moderate zinc deficiencies can cause growth retardation during adolescense, poor appetite, and abnormal neurosensory changes.
The Recommended Daily Allowance of zinc is 8 – 14mg/day for adults and could increase to as high as 19mg/day for lactating women. Upper intake that exceeds 40mg/day for a healthy person may be harmful to our bodies. .
References: (1) http://www.mineralsinc.com/WriteUp /ZincAscorbate_w.htm (2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc (3) http://www.health4youonline.com/health_supplements _biocare_nutrisorb_zinc_b257.htm
