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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
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
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
Zinc for Nail Growth
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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.
- Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory problem causing narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to your limbs, most often your legs.
- 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.
Sexual Function
Zinc in Sunflower Seeds
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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.
- 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.
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
Related Articles
References
- “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
- National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated March 6, 2020.
- Wessels I, Maywald M, Rink L. Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(12):1286. doi:10.3390/nu9121286
- Mousa HA. Prevention and Treatment of Influenza, Influenza-Like Illness, and Common Cold by Herbal, Complementary, and Natural Therapies. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(1):166-174. doi:10.1177/2156587216641831
- Krebs NF, Miller LV, Hambidge KM. Zinc deficiency in infants and children: a review of its complex and synergistic interactions. Paediatr Int Child Health. 2014;34(4):279-288. doi:10.1179/2046905514Y.0000000151
- Gogia S, Sachdev HS. Zinc supplementation for mental and motor development in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;12:CD007991. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007991.pub2
- Ogawa Y, Kinoshita M, Shimada S, Kawamura T. Zinc and Skin Disorders. Nutrients. 2018;10(2):199. doi:10.3390/nu10020199
- Gupta M, Mahajan VK, Mehta KS, Chauhan PS. Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014;2014:709152. doi:10.1155/2014/709152
- Khan WU, Sellen DW. World Health Organization. Zinc supplementation in the management of diarrhoea. 2011.
- Petrilli MA, Kranz TM, Kleinhaus K, et al. The Emerging Role for Zinc in Depression and Psychosis. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:414. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00414
- Fallah A, Mohammad-Hasani A, Colagar AH. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men's Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization. J Reprod Infertil. 2018;19(2):69‐81.
- Zhao J, Dong X, Hu X, et al. Zinc levels in seminal plasma and their correlation with male infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2016;6:22386. Published 2016 Mar 2. doi:10.1038/srep22386
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Oysters, Raw. FoodData Central. Updated 2020.
Writer Bio
Bonnie Singleton has been writing professionally since 1996. She has written for various newspapers and magazines including "The Washington Times" and "Woman's World." She also wrote for the BBC-TV news magazine "From Washington" and worked for Discovery Channel online for more than a decade. Singleton holds a master's degree in musicology from Florida State University and is a member of the American Independent Writers.