Sea Moss Essentials – Zinc

Zinc is an essential element in the human body, however both its role and source in sea moss is less understood making it a fascinating but complex subject. Let’s dive and learn more about Zinc Absorption Benefits

Key Points

• Research suggests the body absorbs zinc in the small intestine, with efficiency around 20-40%.
• It seems likely that zinc is transported in the blood bound to proteins and used directly in enzymatic functions without significant transformation.
• It seems likely that zinc from cold-water sea moss is bound to organic compounds such as proteins, polysaccharides (e.g., carrageenan), or phenolic compounds, releasing zinc ions during digestion for absorption, with possibly higher bioavailability due to the absence of phytates.
• The primary difference in Sea Moss genus is the polysaccharide—carrageenan in Chondrus crispus versus agar in Gracilaria. Carrageenan has more sulfate groups, potentially binding zinc more tightly, while agar’s gel structure may release zinc more readily when cooked [7] (wrong- [7] Sulfate Content Comparison: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/8/678)

Absorption

When you enjoy our Sea Moss gel, you’re getting a natural source of zinc, a mineral that’s present in Sea Moss in its organic form. While this isn’t the same as zinc sulfate—a synthetic form often used in supplements—the way your body absorbs zinc from Sea Moss gel follows a similar path. The zinc is primarily taken up in your small intestine. This is the part of your digestive system built to absorb nutrients after your stomach breaks down the gel. Your small intestine uses two methods to get this zinc into your bloodstream. This allows your body to support your immune system, skin health, and more.

Active Transport

One method involves a protein called ZIP4, which acts like a gatekeeper on your small intestine cells. It grabs zinc ions from the gel and pulls them into your bloodstream. This happens through a process called active transport, which uses energy. It steps up when your body needs more zinc. The other method, called passive diffusion, lets zinc slip through tiny gaps between cells more freely. This occurs when there’s a lot of zinc in your intestine—like a stream finding its way through cracks in a rock. The gel form of Sea Moss can make this process smoother. Its nutrients are often more bioavailable, meaning your body can absorb them more easily than some synthetic supplements.

Passive Transport

On average, your body absorbs about 20-40% of the zinc. This can vary depending on your needs and how well your small intestine is functioning. For example, if the Sea Moss gel provides 5 milligrams of natural zinc, your body might absorb 1 to 2 milligrams. This ensures you get this essential mineral in a form your body can use. This dual system of active transport and passive diffusion ensures your body can adapt. It gets the zinc it needs, whether you’re low on this essential mineral or have plenty to spare.

Transformation

After your body absorbs the organic zinc ions from our Sea Moss gel, zinc remains biochemically stable. It doesn’t undergo significant chemical transformation because it’s a mineral. It exists as Zn2+ ions. Unlike nutrients that might be metabolized into different compounds, zinc retains its ionic form. It’s ready to support your body’s functions without structural alteration. “Instead of transforming, the zinc efficiently travels through your bloodstream. Specific proteins that act as carriers bind it. This ensures safe and targeted delivery to your cells. There, it plays a critical role in many physiological processes.

The primary carriers are albumin and alpha-2-macroglobulin, which together form a dynamic transport system. Albumin makes up about 60% of plasma proteins. It binds around 80-90% of circulating zinc. This forms a stable zinc-albumin complex that maintains zinc’s solubility. It prevents zinc from existing as free ions, which could be reactive and potentially toxic (Zinc Information | Mount Sinai.). Alpha-2-macroglobulin, along with other minor proteins like transferrin, binds the remaining 10-20%. This provides additional stability and helps distribute zinc to tissues. This binding mechanism actively delivers zinc to cells for essential functions. These include supporting immune responses, promoting wound healing, and aiding cell division and growth.

At the cellular level, zinc is incorporated into over 300 enzymes and metalloproteins. It serves as a cofactor or structural component. For example, zinc is critical for the activity of enzymes like carbonic anhydrase, which regulates pH. It also supports superoxide dismutase, which protects cells from oxidative stress. Zinc stabilizes the structure of zinc-finger proteins. These are vital for DNA transcription and gene expression. They directly influence processes like protein synthesis and immune cell development (Office of Dietary Supplements – Zinc).

Use

Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in metabolism and cell growth. It supports overall health, including hormone production and antioxidant defense.

Zinc has diverse roles, reflecting its importance in cellular and systemic functions:

• Enzyme Cofactor: Zinc is required for the activity of enzymes like carbonic anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and DNA polymerase, crucial for metabolism and genetic processes (Zinc Information | Mount Sinai).
• Immune Function: Zinc supports the development and function of immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes and neutrophils, and its deficiency can lead to increased susceptibility to infections (Office of Dietary Supplements – Zinc).
• Wound Healing: Zinc is involved in collagen synthesis and cell proliferation, essential for tissue repair and recovery (Zinc Information | Mount Sinai).
• Hormone Synthesis: It is necessary for the production of testosterone and insulin, affecting reproductive and metabolic health.
• Antioxidant Defense: Zinc helps stabilize cell membranes and protect against oxidative stress, reducing damage from free radicals (Zinc Information | Mount Sinai).
• Gene Expression: Zinc finger transcription factors require zinc to bind DNA and regulate gene expression, influencing cell growth and differentiation.

Deficiencies can lead to growth retardation, delayed wound healing, and immune dysfunction, while excess intake, particularly from supplements, can cause nausea, copper deficiency, and impaired immune function (Office of Dietary Supplements – Zinc).

Conclusion

In summary, your body absorbs zinc from Sea Moss gel in the small intestine with an efficiency of about 20-40%, transports it bound to proteins like albumin, and uses it in immune function, wound healing, and enzymatic roles without significant transformation. Unlike zinc sulfate, a synthetic form, the zinc in Sea Moss is naturally bound to organic compounds, potentially offering higher bioavailability due to the absence of phytates and the unique properties of its polysaccharides. This detailed understanding provides a holistic view, highlighting both the general process of zinc absorption and Sea Moss’s specific contributions to your health [1][3][4].

Suggested Topic to follow up on: Sea Moss Essentials – Magnesium Chloride

Key Citations:

1. Cérantola, S., & Breton, F. (2020). Sulfate content comparison in *Chondrus crispus* and *Gracilaria* species. *Antioxidants, 9*(8), 678. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/8/678
2. Herbal Vineyards. (n.d.). *If you are zinc deficient, start taking Sea Moss*. https://herbalvineyards.com/blogs/health/if-you-are-zinc-deficient-start-taking-sea-moss
3. Mount Sinai. (n.d.). *Zinc information*. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/zinc
4. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2023). *Zinc: Fact sheet for health professionals*. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
5. Wegmüller, R., Tay, F., Zeder, C., Brnić, M., & Hurrell, R. F. (2014). Zinc absorption as a function of the dose of zinc sulfate in aqueous solution. *The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 99*(1), 142-149. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15514279/
6. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. (2021). *Zinc*. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/zinc
7. WebMD. (2023). *Sea Moss: Benefits, nutrition, and preparation*. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sea-moss
8. Forbes Health. (2023). *Sea Moss: Health benefits and side effects*. https://www.forbes.com/health/nutrition/sea-moss-benefits/
9. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). *7 benefits of Sea Moss, plus nutrition and risks*. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sea-moss-benefits