Zinc Supplements May Help Cut Growth in Esophageal Cancer Cases

"Zinc is a macronutrient essential for maintaining memory, healing wounds, curing cough, cold and ulcers and preventing acne. Zinc is best absorbed with a proper balance of other nutrients as found in whole foods," shared Dr. Anju Sood, a Bangalore-based weight-management expert and nutritionist. A new study published in the journal FASEB reveals that zinc supplements may aid in reducing rapid growth in esophageal cancer. Some of the previous studies have studied the role of zinc in protecting the food pipe, also known as the esophagus, from risk of cancer.

"Zinc deficiency has been found in many cancer patients. Both clinical data and animal studies have shown that this mineral is very important for overall body health and for cancer prevention," said Zui Pan, an associate professor of nursing at UTA. Inadequacy or deficiency of zinc was also linked to cancer development.

Zinc is essential for the body to regulate and produce hormones and to carry out various other processes. It also supports growth and repair of tissues and muscles. Zinc also has an active role to play in ensuring smooth digestion and a rock-solid immune system. Some of the most common symptoms of zinc deficiency would include weaker immunity, loss of appetite, acne, rashes, loss of taste and/or smell among others. One of the best ways to load up on zinc is by including items like cashews, spinach, fish, meat and poultry, seeds, whole grains, legumes and dairy in your daily diet.

"Zinc is an important element in many proteins and many enzymes and its absence makes it impossible for cells to function," reported PTI.

Inputs from PTI