Zinc is a trace element which has a beneficial effect on many of the human body’s systems. It is such a multipurpose mineral that it can even enhance the body’s immune responses and increase cellular metabolism. Many of the body’s organs need zinc to activate enzymes, including the muscles, skin, bones, and eyes. Without zinc as a cofactor, adhering to enzymes to make them function efficiently, the immune system would be in trouble. Zinc binds with a unique cofactor known as superoxide dismutase, or SOD to create a powerful antioxidant which stops the formation of harmful free radicals, which are responsible for so much cellular damage in the system.
Zinc is found in large quantities within the eyes. For this reason, its role in eye health is important. During the National Eye Institute’s AREDS study, it was discovered that zinc, along with other helpful antioxidants, may lessen the risk of the elderly developing macular degeneration by as much as twenty-five percent. The AREDS study also found that when taken by itself, zinc has a significant effect on the slowing the advancement of AMD in high risk participants.
An article in the African Journal of Food, Agricultural, Nutrition and Development even suggests that zinc deficiency could be a culprit in the formation of cataracts. This premise is based on the fact that zinc is offers the eye lens some protection from oxidative damage, and residents of countries where eyes receive more exposure to sunlight usually have a greater number of cataracts.
