How much zinc is needed to maintain a healthy level of testosterone?

What is Zinc?

Zinc is a chemical element that is used as a part of many compounds for its properties.

This mineral is the second most prevalent metal in the earth’s crust. It comprises an essential nutritional element for all living organisms because it’s necessary for the normal functioning of more than 300 enzymes.

Zinc is used as a cofactor or enzyme activator to regulate cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death; it also helps cells grow and repair; and zinc helps to maintain healthy immune function.

Zinc, testosterone, and sperm

Zinc is primarily found in the late-type II spermatogonia, the Leydig cells, and the spermatids. And, as we know, zinc is vital for the production and secretion of testosterone in humans.

suggests that the zinc that is present in semen supports the physiology of sperm whilst the evidence available shows that a zinc deficiency triggers primary testicular failure.

BODYBUILDERS

Numerous research papers found that athletes had a higher zinc intake than the general population.

However, even so, the zinc concentrations within the athletes were low, which suggests their demands are higher than those inactive people.

Therefore, it is noted that zinc should be taken at 30 mg a day and due to the healing benefits of zinc, weight lifters are encouraged to increase their zinc intake to help repair muscle damage and promote growth.