Boosting Zinc Intake Can Protect Your DNA

Do you get enough zinc in your diet? Research on the link between zinc and DNA repair suggests that this metal may be more important to human health than previously thought.

If you are like many people in the United States and Europe, you may not be getting enough zinc in your diet. While most people know about the health benefits of vitamin C and iron, zinc is more of an unsung hero. However, new research on zinc and DNA suggests that you should be very concerned about whether you are getting enough of this trace metal in your diet and supplement regimen.

Zinc and Your Health

Although zinc is not generally one of the rock star vitamins you read about in the popular media, it is very important to human health. Zinc plays an important role as a cofactor in many of the biochemical processes that drive your metabolism. In addition, zinc helps to support a healthy immune system and fight the damage associated with aging. Perhaps most important, zinc is essential in human growth and development, making it especially important for pregnant women and children to get enough of this trace metal.

Zinc is available in many of the whole foods. However, the standard Western diet is deficient in these whole foods, leaving many people at risk of a zinc deficiency.

Zinc and DNA Repair

While doctors and scientists have always recognized that zinc is important for a healthy life, new research suggests that it may be even more crucial than we previously thought. According to recent studies, even a small increase in dietary zinc reduces DNA damage, which can potentially slow aging and even lower the risk of diseases such as cancer. It appears that zinc and DNA repair are deeply intertwined, with zinc playing an important role in critical genetic repair processes and also reducing oxidative stress on cells.

If you think you are not getting enough zinc in your diet, even a small supplement can make a huge difference. These studies found that a small boost in zinc levels can make a huge difference in how quickly the DNA in your cells deteriorates. This small boost can help you fight off a cold and even lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and promote healthy cell growth.

Zinc for Cell Repair and So Much More

The link between zinc and DNA repair is important because so many chronic diseases have been linked to deficient DNA. As we age, our DNA accumulates errors and mutations. While our bodies have mechanisms to slow this damage, we all ultimately succumb to it. DNA damage has been linked to diverse diseases, including many of those that we associate with old age. Zinc is especially important in helping to facilitate DNA repairs. On the other hand, low zinc levels can lead to cells aging and developing chronic diseases at younger ages. This is partially due to the role of "zinc fingers" in DNA replication and repair. Zinc fingers are a compound made of zinc that bind to DNA and help control when it divides.

Ultimately, a healthy body requires a variety of different nutrients to achieve optimal health. However, the Western diet tends to be deficient in these nutrients, contributing to the epidemic of chronic disease that currently is overtaking many developed nations. While we have ample access to a variety of foods, many people cannot or simply do not get the zinc they need to protect their DNA.

Are You Getting Enough Zinc?

Many people are unknowingly not getting enough zinc in their diets, which is unfortunate in light of new knowledge about the link between zinc and DNA repair. The best food source of zinc is oysters. Zinc is also present in large amounts in crab, lobster and other shellfish. However, even if you do not have access to seafood, there are still ways to ensure you get enough zinc. Beef is a good source of this trace metal, as is chicken, yogurt and beans. If you are not eating enough of these foods, a supplement containing zinc can also help you to get enough of this nutrient to prevent DNA damage and immune dysfunction.

Eating a well-rounded diet is important not just because of macronutrients such as protein, but also because of micronutrients such as zinc. We need to have healthy levels of a variety of nutrients in order to enjoy good health over a long lifetime. If you fear you are not getting enough of zinc or other trace elements, ask your doctor whether a multivitamin is the right choice for your long-term well-being.