“The multi-talented zinc plays a key function in our body!”

Interview with medical author Petra Neumayer about “ Multitalented Zinc ”.

"Zinc affects our metabolism in many different ways and plays an important role in the brain, nervous system, enzyme formation, hormone balance, skin, hair, nails and much more. Therefore, if the supply is inadequate, many bodily functions are affected and there is a risk of illness and psychological problems."

Petra Neumayer, author of the compact guide “Multitalented Zinc”, is of the opinion that the importance of the essential trace element zinc for our health, our mental state and our appearance should not be underestimated.

Zinc is an essential trace element without which the organism cannot function at all. What processes is zinc involved in and what does it do?

Petra Neumayer: Zinc is a trace element that is only present in tiny amounts in the body, but it is nevertheless indispensable for our organism and its daily tasks: zinc is considered to be an activator of over 300 enzymes that are involved in almost all metabolic processes. It stimulates the immune system, intercepts free radicals in the body and plays a very important role in brain function as well as sexuality and fertility. In addition, zinc gives us clear skin, beautiful hair and strong fingernails and even has a mood-enhancing effect - to name just a few "highlights".

In certain phases of life and situations, the body needs particularly large amounts of zinc. What are these and why is that?

Petra Neumayer: Since zinc affects the metabolism in many different ways, the causes of zinc deficiency can be very different: people suffering from stress, but also athletes and heavy workers often have a low zinc status, as do older people due to a diet low in zinc. Pregnant women need sufficient zinc for themselves and their growing child. Those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle often absorb too little zinc through food. And those who drink too much alcohol excrete too much zinc through the kidneys. In addition, disorders of intestinal function can prevent adequate zinc absorption; various illnesses or the use of certain medications can also lead to zinc loss.

Many people today suffer from fatigue and lack of motivation. Can zinc help?

Petra Neumayer: In cases of tiredness, poor concentration and lack of motivation in the morning, as well as depression, zinc should be tried as part of the therapy, as this can often produce surprising results. It is easy to imagine that a zinc deficiency can have a detrimental effect on mood simply because so many important bodily functions are affected by a deficiency. But zinc also has a direct influence on the nervous system, brain and human psyche. On the one hand, it plays a key role in hormone metabolism, and on the other, numerous neurochemical processes are also dependent on zinc. Zinc is also a component of many important enzymes in the brain region.

What symptoms indicate a zinc deficiency and how does it affect health and well-being?

Frequently recurring colds and infections of the stomach, intestines and bladder can indicate a weakened immune system; zinc deficiency should always be considered here. Brittle hair, brittle fingernails or cracks in the corners of the mouth are among the externally visible signs of a low zinc status. A clinically manifest zinc deficiency can, for example, manifest itself in fertility problems.

Zinc can only be supplied to the body through food or in the form of zinc supplements. Which foods are particularly rich in zinc?

Petra Neumayer: Muscle meat and offal (liver, kidneys, heart) are considered to be particularly rich in zinc. Vegetarians may be able to meet their zinc requirements through dairy products, but vegans should pay particular attention to their diet and take appropriate supplements if they have zinc deficiency symptoms.

The absorption of zinc in the body is a very complicated process. What influences it and what might prevent an optimal supply of zinc?

Petra Neumayer: Laxatives are the main indirect zinc thieves. But various diseases such as pancreatic and liver diseases or acrodermatitis enteropathica - a congenital metabolic disease in which zinc absorption is impaired - can also lead to reduced zinc absorption. But poorer zinc absorption through the intestinal mucosa must also be expected in the case of inflammatory bowel diseases or intestinal fistulas.

Chemically speaking, zinc is a metal. Is there a risk of overdose or poisoning from zinc? Have any allergies or intolerances been identified?

Petra Neumayer: No, no side effects or interactions were observed when the recommended daily dose was observed.

The trace element is a real all-rounder and is increasingly being discovered as a medicinal product. What complaints and illnesses can the use of zinc help with?

Petra Neumayer: Especially in the cold season, you should ensure you have an adequate supply of zinc and vitamin C. Zinc is an excellent means of supporting the body in its healthy defense against bacterial or viral invaders at the first signs of infection. The “Cochrane Metastudy” found that with daily intake of at least
75 milligrams of zinc significantly reduced the duration of colds, in some cases even halving it. But we should also think of the multi-talented zinc when we are experiencing poor performance, lack of motivation and low moods.

Book tip:
Petra Neumayer: Multi-talented zinc. Healthy, beautiful and balanced with the vital trace element. Compact guide, Mankau Verlag, 1st edition November 2016, paperback, 11.5 x 16.5 cm, color, 127 pages, 7.99 euros (D) / 8.20 euros (A), ISBN 978-3-86374-317-8.

Link recommendations:
More information about the compact guide "Multitalented Zinc"
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about the author Petra Neumayer
To the Internet forum with Petra Neumayer