The potential benefits derived from supplementation with zinc seem to be at least partly attributable to zinc’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.[1][2][3][4]
Adequate dietary intake of zinc is essential for proper growth and development during pregnancy and throughout infancy, childhood, and adulthood.[1][5] Additionally, zinc is required for normal development, activity, and function of both innate and adaptive immune cells;[6][7] proper function of pancreatic beta-cells and glucose uptake;[8] and spermatogenesis and normal sperm physiology (e.g., sperm motility).[9]
In the brain, zinc ions inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors,[10] which is relevant to depression because this condition is characterized by elevated glutamatergic neurotransmission (to which NMDA receptors contribute).[11] Zinc may also benefit depression by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels.[12][13]