Benefits of zinc for women
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Benefits of Zinc for Women
Zinc and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Reduction in Physical and Psychological Symptoms
Zinc supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce both physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in young women. A study involving 60 women aged 18-30 years demonstrated that 30 mg of zinc gluconate taken daily for 12 weeks led to a notable decrease in PMS symptoms compared to a placebo group. This suggests that zinc can be an effective treatment for alleviating the discomfort associated with PMS.
Antioxidant and Neurotrophic Benefits
In addition to symptom relief, zinc supplementation increased total antioxidant capacity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in women with PMS. These changes indicate that zinc not only helps in reducing PMS symptoms but also enhances overall brain health and oxidative stress management.
Zinc and Pregnancy Outcomes
Reduction in Preterm Birth
Zinc supplementation during pregnancy has been associated with a small but significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth. A comprehensive review of 21 randomized controlled trials involving over 17,000 women found that zinc supplementation reduced the risk of preterm birth by 14%. This benefit is particularly relevant in low-income areas with high perinatal mortality rates.
Limited Impact on Other Pregnancy Outcomes
While zinc supplementation showed a reduction in preterm births, it did not significantly affect other maternal or neonatal outcomes such as low birth weight or stillbirth rates. This suggests that while zinc is beneficial for reducing preterm births, its impact on other pregnancy-related outcomes may be limited.
Zinc and Reproductive Health
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Dysmenorrhea
Zinc plays a crucial role in managing reproductive health disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and primary dysmenorrhea. In women with PCOS, zinc supplementation has been shown to improve insulin resistance and lipid balance. For those suffering from primary dysmenorrhea, zinc taken before and during the menstrual cycle can significantly reduce menstrual pain.
Role in Fertility and Pregnancy
Zinc is essential for various reproductive processes, including oocyte development, fertilization, and embryo development. Adequate zinc levels are necessary for maintaining meiotic arrest in oocytes, facilitating fertilization, and ensuring proper embryo development. Zinc deficiency can disrupt these processes, leading to reduced fertility and poor pregnancy outcomes.
Zinc and Postmenopausal Health
Improvement in Vitamin D3 Status
In postmenopausal women, zinc supplementation has been shown to improve vitamin D3 status. A study involving 51 postmenopausal women found that 50 mg of zinc daily for 8 weeks significantly increased plasma levels of 25-OH-D3, particularly in women who experienced menopause at a younger age. This suggests that zinc can help mitigate some of the nutritional deficiencies associated with menopause.
Association with Lower Leptin Levels
Zinc supplementation was also associated with lower serum leptin levels, which are linked to better metabolic health. This finding indicates that zinc may play a role in managing weight and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women.
Zinc and Cognitive Function
Enhanced Cognitive and Emotional Functioning
Zinc supplementation has been found to improve cognitive and emotional functioning in women. Studies have shown that zinc can enhance mood and cognitive performance, particularly in pre-menopausal women. For instance, zinc supplementation has been linked to improvements in mood states such as reduced anger and depression . Additionally, in overweight or obese middle-aged women, zinc supplementation improved cognitive scores on various tests, suggesting its potential as an adjunct strategy for enhancing cognitive health.
Conclusion
Zinc offers a range of benefits for women across different life stages. From reducing PMS symptoms and improving pregnancy outcomes to enhancing reproductive health and cognitive function, zinc is a vital nutrient that supports overall well-being. Given its wide-ranging effects, zinc supplementation can be a valuable addition to the health regimen of women, particularly those at risk of zinc deficiency.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic