How does the nutrient affect the body?
Zinc is required for many of the body’s functions. It makes up part of more than 200 enzymes in the body. Enzymes are proteins that enable certain chemical reactions to take place in the body. Zinc is crucial for proper growth. It promotes cell reproduction and tissue growth and repair. This is needed for wound healing. Zinc is also key to the proper working of the immune system. Zinc has many other functions, as well. It helps to: • detoxify alcohol in the liver • assists in the making of proteins • aids in the proper use of insulin to help control blood glucose levels • helps in normal taste perception Zinc also helps the body turn carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy. Taking the recommended amounts of zinc may aid in the metabolism of vitamin D and calcium. This could help reduce bone loss, such as osteoporosis. Zinc also assists in moving vitamin A through the blood.
Chromium combines with niacin to form Glucose Tolerance Factor, also known as GTF. GTF works with insulin to help the body use glucose. Insulin is the hormone that takes glucose from blood and puts it into cells where it is used for energy. Chromium helps reduce the amount of insulin needed to maintain blood sugar. Some studies report that people who have diabetes better blood can get better glucose control by taking chromium supplements. Getting the right amount of chromium each day may also help protect against heart attacks in people that are at high risk, such as those who have diabetes. Chromium seems to improve levels of blood fats such as cholesterol.
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats all provide energy to the body in the form of calories. These nutrients are released from foods during digestion. Then they are absorbed into the blood stream and changed to glucose, which is another name for blood sugar. Glucose is what the body actually uses as energy.
