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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- “International Angiology”; Trace Elements and Toxic Heavy Metals Play a Role in Buerger Disease and Atherosclerotic Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease; C. Arslan, et al.; December 2010
- “International Angiology”; Trace Elements and Toxic Heavy Metals Play a Role in Buerger Disease and Atherosclerotic Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease; C. Arslan, et al.; December 2010
- “Toxicology Letters”; Restorative Effects of Zinc and Selenium on Nitrergic Relaxations Impaired by Cadmium in the Mouse Corpus Cavernosum; C. Göçmen, et al.; January 2000
- “Toxicology Letters”; Restorative Effects of Zinc and Selenium on Nitrergic Relaxations Impaired by Cadmium in the Mouse Corpus Cavernosum; C. Göçmen, et al.; January 2000
- “Biomedical Research on Trace Elements”; Exogenous Zinc Improves Blood Fluidity but Has No Effect on the Mechanisms of Vascular Response to Acetylcholine Iontophoresis in Humans; F. Esen, et al.; November 2006
- “Biomedical Research on Trace Elements”; Exogenous Zinc Improves Blood Fluidity but Has No Effect on the Mechanisms of Vascular Response to Acetylcholine Iontophoresis in Humans; F. Esen, et al.; November 2006
- “Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology”; The Effect of Zinc on Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation of Blood-Vessels and on the Ultrastructure of Endothelial Cells under Immobilization Stress; M. Kusleikaite, et al.; 2003
- “Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology”; The Effect of Zinc on Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation of Blood-Vessels and on the Ultrastructure of Endothelial Cells under Immobilization Stress; M. Kusleikaite, et al.; 2003
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Zinc and Blood Flow
Poor blood circulation can contribute to heart disease, cognitive problems and sexual dysfunction. The essential mineral zinc has been used in folk medicine for everything from healing wounds to preventing blood clots, and it can also help improve blood flow. In addition, zinc has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage and can create healthy veins and arteries that boost blood circulation.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Zinc Significance
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Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects on the walls of your arteries and may eventually block arteries and blood flow. Zinc helps prevent the deterioration of endothelial cells lining the inner wall of blood vessels that can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, as demonstrated on a rat study published in the “Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology” in 2003 5.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory problem causing narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to your limbs, most often your legs. A study published in “International Angiology” in December 2010 investigated several trace elements and their effects on blood flow to the extremities 1. The researchers found that patients with inflammation and artery blockage in their extremities had significantly reduced levels of zinc and selenium compared to healthy subjects. They concluded that a zinc deficiency contributed to the disease process.
Sexual Function
Many manufacturers of zinc supplements market them as a way to improve male sexual performance by increasing blood flow to the penis. Although there are no human scientific trials verifying such claims, zinc does appear to be related to the proper development of male sex organs and for prostate health. A study published in a 2000 issue of the journal “Toxicology Letters” found that zinc and selenium helped restore nitric oxide activity in penile erectile tissues 2. Nitric oxide is a molecule that plays a critical role in preventing vascular disease.
Considerations
Research studies have demonstrated it is safe for you to take less than 40 mg of zinc in supplement form for short periods. Common side effects with people taking normal amounts of zinc include nausea, vomiting and a metallic taste. High doses of zinc can actually weaken your immune system and raise cholesterol levels, as well as cause:
- dizziness
- headache
- loss of muscle coordination
- hallucinations
- anemia
- “International Angiology”; Trace Elements and Toxic Heavy Metals Play a Role in Buerger Disease and Atherosclerotic Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease; C. Arslan, et al.; December 2010
- “Toxicology Letters”; Restorative Effects of Zinc and Selenium on Nitrergic Relaxations Impaired by Cadmium in the Mouse Corpus Cavernosum; C. Göçmen, et al.; January 2000
- “Biomedical Research on Trace Elements”; Role of Zinc in Blood Circulation; N. Kurihara, et al.; 1999
- “Biomedical Research on Trace Elements”; Exogenous Zinc Improves Blood Fluidity but Has No Effect on the Mechanisms of Vascular Response to Acetylcholine Iontophoresis in Humans; F. Esen, et al.; November 2006
- “Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology”; The Effect of Zinc on Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation of Blood-Vessels and on the Ultrastructure of Endothelial Cells under Immobilization Stress; M. Kusleikaite, et al.; 2003
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