Best Selling Medicine
Dr. Aditya Shah
Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView moreWhen it comes to men’s health, the role of testosterone is huge. After all, as most of you may know, it is the chief hormone inside the male body that plays the role of multiple different functions.
After becoming active in the time of puberty, it is the sole hormone that gives rise to manliness and the features we commonly used to define a man and differentiate him from a female.
However, when taking this hormone, one of the critical roles is played by zinc. Zinc is one of the important nutrients that your body needs for the production of testosterone.
In this blog, we will find out more in-depth about this topic. We will see how the role of zinc is important in the case of testosterone production and secretion, along with other supporting male hormones.
Zinc- What Role Does It Play In Your Body
Zinc is a small nutrient for your body; however, even with the small amount needed, its role is quite crucial. What we mean by this is that zinc plays many critical functions in your body, such as
- Controlling immune functions
- Wound healing
- Cell growth
- Synthesis of DNA
- It is also vital for aspects that give us taste and the ability to smell.
However, we are not here to check out these roles of zinc in more detail. Rather, we are focused on finding the ways it affects the male sexual hormones.
Role Of Zinc For Sexual Hormonal Control
So, in the case of the sexual health of men, zinc cofactor, i.e., a role with other hormones for the production and release of testosterone. It helps regulate the balance of sexual hormones in men by controlling other factors such as SHBG, cortisol, and LH production.
Zinc And Its Role In Testosterone
Let us dive into further details and see how zinc plays a dominant role in testosterone.
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Co-Factor For The Activity Of The Hormone
Zinc is what doctors define as a cofactor for certain stimuli and the body’s response that triggers the production of other chemicals. These chemicals, in turn, go on and produce or act as a catalyst for the production of testosterone.
Zinc also plays an indirect role in the formation of the hormone, where it is able to derive testosterone from cholesterol and convert it into the main male hormone.
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Regulates SHBG
Zinc is a vital nutrient that helps regulate the SHBG or sex hormone binding globulin in check. Think of SHBG as a form of protein that binds to the molecules of testosterone and makes it less available for the body’s functions.
This means that if the SHBG factor were high in a male, there would be less amount of free testosterone to be used for different functions. Naturally, such a person will have lower T levels in their body.
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Reduction Of Cortisol
Scientists have come up with a breakthrough study that shows the cortisol hormone affects the production and release of testosterone. What this means is that if cortisol levels are higher, it can hinder the production of the male hormone inside your body.
However, this is where the role of zinc is vital, as it is able to keep the cortisol levels in check. If your body has enough zinc, it is able to reduce cortisol production and release, which fuels the production of testosterone.
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Supporting LH Production
LH, or the luteinizing hormone, acts as a form of precursor to the production of testosterone in the testes. If a male has low LH, this means that they are likely to have less testosterone. In case your LH levels are low, consider having zinc supplements or taking zinc-rich food items that increase the production of LH hormone and, therefore, testosterone in your body.
Zinc And Its Role In Sperm Health
Along with the production of testosterone and its other stimulating hormones, zinc also plays a major role in sperm cell health. Adequate zinc levels in your body are what the body needs to produce enough sperm cells, ensure their better health, and to keep sure that the sperm cells are highly motile. It is a major factor that makes a man fertile and able to inseminate and fertilize the egg.
Low Zinc Levels? How To Add This Micronutrient To Your Body Again
Having low zinc levels can reduce the production of testosterone in your body, along with causing fertility issues. However, you can easily address this issue with the help of some simple changes in your diet and food habits.
➯ Taking Zinc-Rich Food Items
One of the best ways to add more zinc to your body is to consume those food items that contain this micronutrient. Here is a list of food options for you-
- Shellfish
- Oysters
- Red meat, like beef or pork
- Eggs
- Chickpeas, lentils,
- Beans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cashews
- Hemp seeds
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Quinoa
- Oats
- Hemp seeds
➯ Taking Zinc Supplements
The other way is to get to a doctor and start using a regulated zinc supplement for your health. This aids more directly, plus having other benefits like the growth of muscles and body hair.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, we hope that you have a much better idea about the role of zinc in your body for testosterone and other sexual hormones. We have also given you a list of food items and supplements that can help you increase zinc in your body.
FAQs
Q. Does Zinc Have Any Role In Cell Growth And DNA?
Yes, as per studies at the FDA, zinc helps in stimulating cell growth and the formation of DNA.
Q. What Is The Regulation Of A Zinc Supplement?
It totally depends on the deficiency of zinc in a male. However, the regulated standard dose should not be more than 200 mg per day for adults. Generally, the doctors can tell you to use such a supplement daily for 1 to 4 months, using it once or twice daily.
Q. Does Zinc Have Any Benefits For The Eyes?
Yes, as per studies, it helps provide better eyesight and avoid eye or vision-related issues in men.