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Zinc: What runners should know about Zinc

Zinc is required every day for proper muscle function, immunity, and skin health. 

Our Runner Multivitamin contains up to 1.5x more Zinc to replenish loss from sweat in the training of everyday runners.

Recommended Daily Value & Upper Limit: 15 to 40 IU/day

    SOURCE:
    Zinc is an essential mineral naturally present in some foods, added to others, and also available through supplementation. Red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in American diets. [1]

    FUNCTION IN THE BODY:
    Trace minerals function in the human body as metabolic regulators, influencing a number of physiological processes important to exercise and sport performance. Zinc is responsible for numerous cell activities, including muscle function, immune health, protein synthesis, and skin wound healing. 

    HOW IT WORKS:
    Zinc is absorbed from the intestines by cells. Nearly all cells have zinc-transport mechanisms that help carry the mineral throughout the body. In the presence of zinc, cells perform necessary and daily metabolic functions related to protein synthesis, DNA replication, immunity and wound healing. Individuals with zinc deficiency can experience weigh loss, problems with wound hearing, poor taste and smell, and reduced alertness. [3]

      WHY IT MATTERS TO RUNNERS:
      Daily intake of zinc is required because the body has no zinc storage mechanism. [2] This is particularly important to everyday runners who lose essential vitamins and minerals through sweat from daily training. Additionally, everyday runners often consume more carbohydrates and less protein than the average adult. These diets may lead to sub-optimal zinc levels in about 90% of athletes. [4] Daily and sufficient Zinc levels help everyday runners:

      • Replenish loss from sweat  – Daily training can lead to loss of minerals, such as zinc, through sweat. A single 2-hour training block can deplenish up to 9% of the daily recommended zinc. [5]
         
      • Build strong muscles – Anabolic hormones such as testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) increase with sufficient zinc in the body. Additionally, stress-inducing cortisol decreases. [6]
         
      •  Boost immunity  – Clinical studies have shown zinc to be effective at treating the common cold and preventing lower respiratory infections. The immune system requires zinc to activate T-lymphocytes, a important sub-type of white blood cells. [3]

      Best wishes chasing your running goals!

      PEREGRUNE engineers runner vitamins and supplements to help you get a little bit better everyday.

      If we can help your running goals, please use Discount Code SCIENCE for 10% OFF your first order at www.peregrune.com

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      [1] National Institutes of Health (2016, February). Zinc - Fact sheet for Health Professionals. Retrieved May 14, 2017 from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/

      [2] Roohani, N. et al (2013, February). Zinc and its importance to human health. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. Retried May 14, 2017 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3724376/

      [3] WebMD (2009). Zinc. Retrieved May 14, 2017 from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-982-zinc.aspx?activeingredientid=982

      [4] Micheletti, A. et al. (2001). Zinc status in athletes: relation to diet and exercise. Sports Med. Retried from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11475319

      [5] 4 DeRuisseau KC, Chevront SN, Haymes EM, Sharp RG.  Sweat iron and zinc losses during prolonged exercise.  Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab.  2002 Dec;12(4):  428-37.

      [6] Golf SW, Bender S, Gruttner J.  On the significance of magnesium in extreme physical stress.  Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1998: 12:197-202.

      Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please be sure to consult your physician before taking this or any other product. Consult your physician for any health problems.