The rainy season makes us more prone to contracting certain illnesses, so maintaining a strong immune system is crucial to help us stay healthy. One way to do this is by making sure we are receiving the right amount of nutrients and minerals—one of which is zinc.
In the Philippines, zinc deficiency is prevalent across age and physiological groups. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) puts the national estimate of zinc deficiency at 30 percent.
To understand how zinc can help keep us healthy during wet season, here is a brief overview of its benefits and potential sources.
What does zinc do?
Zinc plays a role in fundamental bodily functions such as gene expression, protein and DNA synthesis, and promotion of wound healing, among others. Zinc also boosts our body’s immune response against infections.
This particular function on boosting immunity is especially helpful during the rainy season when certain viruses spread faster because of lower temperatures. One such virus is the rhinovirus that causes the common cold. Some studies have shown that zinc may be effective in reducing symptoms and duration of cold. Alternatively, a deficiency in zinc may make us more prone to sicknesses like the cold and flu. One study suggests that low levels of zinc is more common during shorter daylight seasons. The same study also attributes this to insufficient zinc intakes and poor dietary habits during rainy season.
Who is prone to zinc deficiency and what happens when you lack zinc?
Certain members of the population are predisposed to zinc deficiency. This includes pregnant women, breastfeeding infants whose mothers are zinc-deficient, people with alcoholic tendencies, or people with restricted diets like vegetarians or vegans.
A deficiency in zinc may result in several complications, which include loss of taste or smell, poor appetite, diarrhea, hair loss, delayed wound healing, and a weaker immune system. If you experience these symptoms, it is best to consult with a doctor to determine whether if the cause is zinc deficiency or a different health condition.
Where can you find zinc?
Our bodies do not produce zinc, so we must get the mineral from food and other sources. There is a high percentage of zinc in legumes, poultry, red meat, and whole grains. Although there are several food sources of zinc, it is important to note that some of it—like whole grains—hinder the absorption of the mineral.
Additionally, our daily diet and food choices do not always contain zinc and we may not be consuming enough quantities of it to sustain the recommended amount in our bodies need. Aside from food, intake of zinc supplements may help us avoid the risk of deficiency. If you are not getting enough of it, you may consult your doctor for vitamin supplements that contain zinc to help you achieve the recommended amount for daily intake.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
- Askari S., Asghari G., Farhadnejad H., Ghanbarian A., Mirmiran P., & Azizi F. (2019). Seasonal Variations of Serum Zinc Concentration in Adult Population: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Iran J Public Health, 48(8):1496-1502. PMID: 32292733; PMCID: PMC7145931.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/147323001204000104
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4BZR74LjnDSq4Qly69sZrbk/can-vitamin-c-cure-a-cold
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc#what-it-is
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/zinc/#:~:text=Zinc%20and%20Health&text=Because%20zinc%20supports%20the%20growth,body%20from%20viruses%20and%20bacteria.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc#benefits
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/#:~:text=Zinc%20deficiency%20is%20characterized%20by,8%2C25%2C26%5D.
- https://today.oregonstate.edu/archives/2009/sep/zinc-deficiencies-global-concern
- https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/publication/regular-issues/past-issues/105-vol-150-no-3-june-2021/1370-dietary-zinc-intake-and-the-underlying-factors-of-serum-zinc-deficiency-among-preschool-children-in-the-philippines-keywords-filipino
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493231/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/zinc-deficiency#risk-factors
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/zinc-may-reduce-symptoms-of-cold-and-flu
- https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/images/pdf/pjs_pdf/vol144no2/pdf/zinc_status_of_filipinos_by_serum_zinc_level_FinalCopypdf.pdf
