Zinc Status Linked to Initial Development of Hardening of the Arteries

Researchers analyzed the zinc status of 4564 adults¹ aged 40 – 88 years of age who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease.  They also measured the thickness of the carotid artery and compared the results to zinc status to see if a lack of zinc was associated with the initial development of hardening of the carotid artery (subclinical atherosclerosis).  Indeed, zinc intake was inversely associated with the development of artery problems.  The lower the zinc the more likely the initial signs of developing artery disease.

This finding is consistent with a study a reported on last year showing that 45 mg of zinc intake per day could lower inflammatory problems linked to heart disease.  Zinc is also needed to prevent diabetes.
Zinc, like magnesium, is needed for hundreds of enzymes to work properly in your body.  It may be lacking in individuals who eat little red meat, in exercisers who sweat a lot, and in those under high stress.  It can be a cause for poor immunity, slow wound healing, digestive weakness, taste or balance problems, or a faltering sex drive.  It is almost always low in individuals with white spots on their fingernails.  One or more of these issues may be a reason to supplement extra zinc.