Published in an issue of the American Journal of Nutrition, a clinical study was conducted on a group of males aged between 20-31. In this study, half of the participants consumed 3.8 mg of zinc daily, while the other half consumed 18.7 mg daily for six weeks. Afterward, the ventilation volume of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as heart function, were tested for both groups. It was found that the men with insufficient zinc intake had significantly poorer physical strength and athletic ability compared to those who consumed 18.7 mg daily. In general diets, zinc deficiency is quite common, with average daily intake ranging from 8-12 mg, slightly higher in males than females. However, males also have a relatively higher demand, and should consume 15-20 mg of zinc daily. Zinc can come from food, multivitamins, or supplements. Among natural foods, oysters contain the highest amount of zinc, but due to their high cholesterol content, they shouldn't be consumed daily. Therefore, it's best to supplement with zinc-containing multivitamins or zinc supplements daily to prevent zinc deficiency. However, although zinc plays an extremely important role in health, consuming more than 50 mg daily (including food and supplements) can increase blood cholesterol levels. The combined daily intake of zinc from food and supplements should ideally be between 15-25 mg. If there are concerns about insufficient zinc in the diet, a daily zinc supplement of just 10-15 mg would suffice.
Many people have heard that zinc supplementation for men can help fight aging and enhance sexual ability, but what exactly is zinc as a nutrient? Experts explain that zinc is a necessary nutrient for synthesizing human antioxidant enzymes and can also boost the immune system. Clinical studies indicate that taking zinc lozenges during a cold can shorten its duration and reduce its severity. But what exactly does zinc supplementation do for men?
Zinc is also a required nutrient for synthesizing male hormones and is one of the key elements composing bones. Supplementing calcium along with zinc can improve calcium absorption rates and more effectively prevent osteoporosis. Considering all the physiological roles of zinc mentioned above, it’s not hard to see the crucial role zinc plays in human health.
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Note: The original text appears to be discussing the importance of zinc in human health, particularly for men, and provides details on dietary intake, sources, and physiological roles. The translation aims to maintain these key points while ensuring clarity and coherence in English.