Zinc has a chemical element symbol of Zn and is at atomic number 30. It is a white metal with a blue tint to it and is fairly reactive. In air it oxidizes and burns with a greenish flame that is very bright. It, in its purest form, releases hydrogen when reacting with dilute acids. It is fairly soft and can be molded into different shapes. In industrial uses it is known for galvanizing steel, parkerize steel, as alloys in silver and brass, die casting, battery containers, fuel in the zinc-air battery/fuel cell, prevention of corrosion of metals that are exposed to sea water, pipe organs, paints, deodorant, glow in the dark objects, plastic additives. Nutritionally it is used in supplements through pills and capsules and also for throat lozenges and tablets to help throat and cold infections.

In biology, it is an essential element for maintaining all life. Many thousands of proteins contain zinc in various different strengths and amounts. It acts as a catalyst for particular enzymes and in plants, required for formation of leaves. Natural food sources of zinc include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, whole grains, nuts, beans, many proteins found in animals, and oysters. Some studies have shown that zinc if combined with antioxidants might be able to delay age related degeneration. This however is an ongoing project and no serious conclusions have been made yet. It has also been connected with the prevention and cure of the flu.

If deficient in zinc, one can get bad effects such as hair loss, body tissue wasting, diarrhea, skin lesions and sometimes even death, in extreme cases. Zinc has been proven to help the immune system function properly. The zinc salts are very effective when concerned with pathogens if there is a direct application. On the other hand, too much zinc is also harmful. An over dosage may lead to toxins in the body which kill good organisms and so regulation is important.

Mineral supplements are very common nowadays, especially because people are wanting to be not only more health conscious, but also are always looking for the quickest solution. It is therefore no surprise that mineral supplements have been proven to be very popular because they are cheap, easy to produce and take no time to ingest. They are available worldwide in places such as pharmacies and can also be bought at local supermarkets, especially in places like the United States and Great Britain.

It is important to take supplements as advised and it is recommended to take a certain amount of vitamins and minerals everyday to help our immune system stay working at 100%. It is also advised not to overdose on certain vitamins and minerals as they may cause serious side effects and affect certain bodily processes. Supplements are generally taken both for maintaining regular health but also to treat deficiencies so therefore they come in different strengths and dosages. There are a number of brands that sell mineral supplements so it is worth finding out which one is best for you. The cheapest option may not always be the best.

If you are unsure about taking supplements, contact your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can advise you on the best plan of action and give you more information about specific vitamins and minerals. It is advised to seek consultation especially if you are pregnant or currently taking any medication as this can affect the intake of supplements. Go to a registered pharmacy and make sure you read all the instructions on dosage and follow them strictly. More information can be found on the Internet.