Benefits of zinc in men
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Benefits of Zinc in Men
Zinc and Male Fertility
Sperm Quality and Fertility
Zinc plays a crucial role in male fertility by influencing sperm quality and function. It has been shown to improve sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosomal exocytosis, which are essential for successful fertilization . Zinc deficiency can lead to impaired spermatogenesis, resulting in sperm abnormalities and reduced serum testosterone levels. Additionally, zinc supplementation has been found to significantly increase semen volume, sperm motility, and the percentage of normal sperm morphology in infertile males.
Antioxidant Properties
Zinc possesses antioxidant properties that protect sperm from oxidative damage. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species in the seminal plasma of infertile men, especially smokers, can negatively affect sperm physiology. Zinc helps mitigate these effects by acting as a toxic repercussion against heavy metals and cigarette inflammatory agents.
Hormonal Balance
Zinc acts as a hormone balancer, particularly influencing testosterone levels, which are vital for prostate and sexual health. It also functions as an antibacterial agent in the male urea system and plays a role in maintaining the epithelial integrity of reproductive organs.
Zinc and Metabolic Health
Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism
Zinc intake is associated with reduced risk of metabolic diseases, partly due to its role in essential fatty acid (EFA) desaturation. Studies have shown that zinc supplements taken with food can increase the activity indices of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) 1 and 2, which are crucial for EFA metabolism.
Protein Metabolism
Zinc is a potent enhancer of protein metabolism. However, studies indicate that increasing zinc supply does not significantly modify whole-body protein metabolism or the synthesis rates of albumin and fibrinogen in late-middle-aged men.
Zinc and Bone Health
Bone Formation
Zinc is involved in bone metabolism as a constituent of the bone matrix and an activator of several metallo-enzymes. Supplementation with zinc has been shown to stimulate bone formation and inhibit bone resorption. In a study involving healthy male volunteers, zinc supplementation significantly increased parameters of bone formation, such as total alkaline phosphatase activity and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase activity.
Zinc and Chronic Conditions
Diabetes and Sexual Dysfunction
In men with type 2 diabetes, zinc supplementation has been shown to improve fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations. However, it did not significantly affect albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), or erectile function in diabetic patients.
Exchangeable Zinc Pools
Long-term moderate zinc supplementation increases the mass of exchangeable zinc pools in late-middle-aged men, which may be beneficial for overall zinc status and health.
Conclusion
Zinc is an essential trace element with numerous benefits for men's health. It plays a vital role in male fertility, metabolic health, bone formation, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Regular dietary intake or supplementation of zinc can significantly improve various health parameters, making it a crucial nutrient for men. However, the effects of zinc can vary based on the dosage and individual health conditions, necessitating further research to optimize its use.
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