Zinc is an essential trace mineral and an important component in immune function and wound healing. Zinc stimulates production of the body's antioxidants and decreases inflammation. Antioxidants neutralize harmful radicals (toxic byproducts of metabolic functions) and protect against inflammation, cancer, and age-related diseases. Now research reports that zinc supplementation increases the activation of T cells (white blood cells) that fight viruses and bacteria.
The study, published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, evaluated the effects of zinc treatment on T cell activation. Researchers at the University of Florida, Gainesville, administered either a zinc supplement (15 mg) or a placebo daily to healthy subjects. Blood samples were obtained from the participants and isolated for T cells. The researchers then simulated an in vitro infection.
The researchers found that participants in the zinc group had significantly increased T cell activation compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, T cell activation stimulated "ZIP8" (a zinc transporter) in T cells. ZIP8 transports zinc into T cells, thus increasing the T cell immune response.
These results illustrate how zinc enhances T cell immunity. This new research may help develop new therapies for boosting immunity and fighting infections.
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Colds and flu affect nearly 100 million American every year. Supplementing with natural nutrients like zinc can help fight cold and flu infections.
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