Zinc

Nature’s most important fertility mineral - supporting hormonal balance, cell growth and development.


Zin NRV:

The NRV recommends 10mg of Zinc is per day, Her.9 contains 15mg, 150% of the NRV (this amounts to roughly 595 pumpkin seeds)

 

Major Functions:

  • Creation of DNA
  • Immunity
  • Growth and development
  • Healthy fertility and hormonal balance

 

Benefits:

Zinc plays an essential role in the construction of a baby’s cells and DNA during fertility and pregnancy. The nutrient is vital for cell division and tissue growth, supporting normal development as the foetus grows.

Consuming the recommended amount of Zinc during pregnancy has various other benefits for the foetus. Zinc is found in high concentrations within the brain and therefore is important for normal brain function contributing to all future learning and development of the child. It also helps to by ensuring a healthy number of antibodies are maintained.

Zinc is as important for the mothers’ health as it is their baby’s. The nutrient helps to build a robust immune system in the foetus whilst also support that of the mother’s, protecting them from infections and ensuring wounds heal.

Unfortunately, it is estimated that over 80% of pregnant women worldwide have an inadequate zinc intake. Since this mineral is involved in so many biological processes getting the right amount of zinc in your diet should not be overlooked.

 

Food Sources:

  • Whole grains
  • Cereals
  • Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Nuts

               

              References:
              • DiGirolamo, A. M., & Ramirez-Zea, M. (2009). Role of zinc in maternal and child mental health. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 89(3), 940S-945S.
              • Ranjbar, E., Shams, J., Sabetkasaei, M., M-Shirazi, M., Rashidkhani, B., Mostafavi, A., ... & Nasrollahzadeh, J. (2014). Effects of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy, inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depression. Nutritional neuroscience, 17(2), 65-71.
              • Maylor, E. A., Simpson, E. E., Secker, D. L., Meunier, N., Andriollo-Sanchez, M., Polito, A., ... & Coudray, C. (2006). Effects of zinc supplementation on cognitive function in healthy middle-aged and older adults: the ZENITH study. British Journal of Nutrition, 96(4), 752-760.
              • Bhatnagar, S., & Taneja, S. (2001). Zinc and cognitive development. British journal of nutrition, 85(S2), S139-S145.
              • Sawada, T., & Yokoi, K. (2010). Effect of zinc supplementation on mood states in young women: a pilot study. European journal of clinical nutrition, 64(3), 331-333.
              • Ota, E., Mori, R., Middleton, P., Tobe-Gai, R., Mahomed, K., Miyazaki, C. and Bhutta, Z.A. (2015). Zinc supplementation for improving pregnancy and infant outcome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).