Last step of our tour "nutrition". Stephane Penso finally offers us to present a supplement that allows our body to function better. Not necessarily known or put forward, the zinc deserves our attention.

Each mineral has its health benefits on the body. Minerals do not all play the same role, but each has its importance depending on the age group. For the athlete, zinc is very important, because a deficiency lowers the capacity for effort. Let us now discover the benefits of zinc in sportsmen and more specifically in sportsmen. padel.

Concerning health in general

A trace element is a pure mineral necessary for human life. Zinc is a precious trace element because it plays important roles in the body. Zinc allows more than 200 enzymes to work in the right way in our body. This mineral is therefore involved in several phenomena of the body including digestion. We will also see it intervene in the metabolism of proteins and fats. Another property of zinc is its antioxidant qualities.

Zinc has a good influence on many hormones in the human body. For example, it participates in the stabilization of thymine and insulin. On the other hand, doctors consider it to be an essential mineral for the immune system. The body needs an excellent defense against pathogens. Zinc does not remain on the sidelines, it actively participates in the protection of the body.

It is also important to underline its action on the beauty of the hair and the skin. Moreover, it often appears in the ingredient list of cosmetic products intended for these parts of the body. After reviewing all the qualities of zinc, it can be said that this mineral is necessary for every individual.

Good for the muscles

Zinc interacts with minerals that go into the process of muscle contraction. Mention may be made, for example, of calcium (Ca² +). However, this ion, calcium, is essential for muscle contraction. Muscles will behave well if they have enough calcium.

Zinc also interacts with magnesium and iron. It participates in bone growth. You should know that the skeleton stores a good proportion of zinc. This mineral interacts with hormones involved in bone growth (testosterone, etc.). This is why young athletes must ingest an adequate amount of zinc to avoid a deficiency. A lack of zinc in athletes weakens the immune system since it is involved in cell renewal.

Good for all

An athlete, like any other person, needs good immune defenses to live and practice their activity properly. In addition, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are essential for perfect health. We know that the practice of any sport requires "iron health". Zinc becomes essential because it is involved in protein synthesis, as well as in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Anti-inflammatory, healing ... zinc has virtues that should not be overlooked!

It has a definite effect on the athlete and manages to meet his daily needs. For optimal action, an athlete should swallow between 12 and 25 mg of zinc per day. 

Zinc and health: what happens during physical activity?

According to scientists, during the practice of a physical activity, one can observe a drop in serum zinc. There are many reasons for this drop in zinc. It may be an insufficient zinc intake due to an inadequate diet. But, it happens that the problem remains despite sufficient intake. Under these conditions, one thinks of a disturbed assimilation or a considerable loss of the mineral in the sweat and the urine.

In athletes, we cannot speak of endurance, fatigue or resistance without involving zinc. A zinc deficiency can have negative repercussions on the body on three levels:

  • First, experts have found that a lack of zinc leads to intramuscular acidosis. This means that excessive acidity occurs inside the muscle.
  • Second, the lack of zinc promotes poor use of glucose by the muscles.
  • Third, a zinc deficiency disrupts the use of lactates.

In addition to absorbing a sufficient content of zinc, it may be interesting to start a detoxification of the body from harmful elements.

In short

Zinc:

  • Is a powerful antioxidant
  • Stimulates the immune system (acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc.)
  • Activates skin healing
  • Intervenes in the production of spermatozoa (quantity and mobility)
  • Prevents prostate problems
  • Participates in protein synthesis
  • Intervenes in the metabolism of insulin
  • Plays a role in smell, taste and vision
  • Participates in DNA synthesis and cell multiplication
  • Plays a role in the growth (child and adolescent) and in the proper development of the fetus
  • Acts on the nervous system (mood, learning)
  • Intervenes in the functions of the thyroid hormone
Stéphane Penso

Fan of padel, Stéphane has become the official tester of the planet padel in Europe. Everything goes through his expert hands. Thanks to his extensive experience in the snowshoeing world, he is able to scan your gear from head to toe!