Why is supplementing with vitamin D ineffective? You may also be deficient in zinc.
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Most people know the importance of vitamin D for health, but they overlook another key nutrient — zinc . If the body is deficient in zinc, even if you supplement with more vitamin D , the body cannot effectively utilize it.
Vitamin D needs zinc to "activate".
For vitamin D to function properly in the body, it must bind to receptors, a process that requires zinc. If zinc is deficient, vitamin D receptors cannot function correctly, leaving vitamin D in a "non-activated" state. Therefore, many people who appear to be vitamin D deficient actually also have a zinc deficiency.
The importance of zinc is far greater than imagined.
Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the human body after iron, participating in over 2800 protein reactions . Even with sufficient vitamin D supplementation, zinc deficiency can still lead to the following:
- Weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to infection
- Loss of smell and taste
- Decreased testosterone in men
- Diarrhea or gastrointestinal ulcers
- Hair loss (alopecia areata)
- Skin inflammation, vision problems
Long-term zinc deficiency can lead to thymus atrophy , weakening T cell function and preventing the immune system from training and defending properly.
The bidirectional dependence of vitamin D and zinc
In the immune system, there are receptors for both vitamin D and zinc. Zinc helps convert "inactive" vitamin D into its "active" form, which can:
- Regulates immune responses and prevents excessive inflammation (such as cytokine storms).
- Reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases
- Help immune cells transform into macrophages to clear pathogens.
On the other hand, vitamin D can also promote the transport of zinc in the body, making the two interdependent.
Foods rich in zinc
The best natural sources include:
- Oysters, lobsters, shrimp
-
liver, red meat
These animal proteins are particularly rich in zinc, because about half of the body's zinc is stored in muscles.
Causes of zinc deficiency
- Dietary lack of zinc-rich foods
- Consuming too much grain and legume (the phytic acid in them can hinder zinc absorption)
-
Zinc requirements increase during pregnancy or with chronic conditions such as sickle cell anemia.
These conditions can all lead to a decrease in the body's zinc levels, which in turn can cause an imbalance in vitamin D metabolism.
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Conclusion: Vitamin D and Zinc – Dual Protection for Healthy Immunity
Vitamin D and zinc are two key nutrients for maintaining immunity, mood, and metabolism. While supplementing with vitamin D , it's also important to ensure adequate zinc intake and maintain a balance between the two. Only in this way can the body truly perform its optimal defense and repair functions.
YouTube source: https://youtu.be/rUnU-dppK-w
YouTube Column: Dr. Berg's Chinese Health Knowledge
