Zinc deficiency has emerged as a widespread global health issue, affecting an estimated two billion people, primarily in the developing world. Recognized as a critical micronutrient for human health since 1963, zinc's essential role in various bodily functions has become increasingly evident. Despite its importance, a significant portion of the global population suffers from zinc deficiency due to inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, and increased loss. This nutritional shortfall presents a pervasive burden with far-reaching impacts on public health.

Zinc plays a vital role in numerous aspects of human health, functioning as a catalytic, structural, and regulatory ion. It activates over 300 enzymes and affects the expression of nearly 2,000 genes, participating in transcription factor functions that are essential for growth, tissue repair, and molecular synthesis. Zinc is integral in the formation of DNA, RNA, and proteins, and stabilizes ribosomes and cell membranes, which offers protective effects by reducing lipid peroxidation and the generation of free radicals. Additionally, zinc supports vital reproductive and developmental processes including spermatogenesis, embryogenesis, and fetal growth, and is heavily concentrated in the epidermis, fortifying the skin's barrier against pathogens.

Zinc enhances both innate and adaptive immunity. It boosts the activity of natural killer cells and neutrophils, and aids in T-lymphocyte activation, cytokine production, and the functioning of B-lymphocytes and antibodies. It is also essential for macrophage functions such as phagocytosis and cytokine production and promotes apoptosis, or programmed cell death. In the oral cavity, zinc is a natural component of saliva and hard dental tissues, where its supplementation has proven effective against various oral diseases. Beyond its immunological and reparative roles, zinc contributes to blood sugar regulation, bone health, memory and psychological functions, and the maintenance of taste, smell, and normal vision. 

Although zinc is one of the most prevalent trace elements in the human body, it cannot be stored in large quantities, necessitating consistent dietary intake. Numerous foods, including meat, shellfish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts, are rich in zinc. However, the degree to which zinc is absorbed varies greatly depending on the specific food source. Absorption is decreased by co-ingestion of phytates (present in legumes, seeds, soy products, and whole grains), oxalates (found in vegetables, nuts, and tea), and calcium - therefore making vegetarian and vegan diets extraordinarily difficult to obtain and absorb adequate levels of zinc.

Zinc deficiency can be either inherited or acquired. It is most often acquired in developing regions due to malnutrition, while in developed areas, it tends to be linked with aging and various chronic diseases such as gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, sickle cell disease, chronic infections, and excess alcohol consumption. Inherited zinc deficiency may also result from a reduced transfer of the mineral in utero from mother to child.

The Zinc to Copper Ratio

Both copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients necessary for human growth and development. Neither element is more important than the other; rather, the key to optimal health lies in maintaining a proper balance between the two.

Dr. Paul Eck, a renowned scientist and researcher in nutritional balancing and hair tissue mineral analysis, advocated for an optimal zinc to copper ratio of approximately 8:1. According to this ratio, for every 8 units of zinc in the body, there should ideally be 1 unit of copper. Maintaining this balance is important to prevent either copper toxicity or zinc deficiency, both of which can have various health implications.

Without adequate zinc in the tissues, copper automatically accumulates. Copper and zinc are antagonistic to each other - when one goes up, the other goes down. 

The Perfect Storm for Copper Accumulation 

Dr. Paul Eck coined copper the "emotional mineral" because of its profound influence on the central nervous system, particularly when copper levels are excessively high compared to zinc. 

He found that low levels of zinc to copper are associated with conditions such as childhood hyperactivity, hypertension, premenstrual tension, hypoglycemia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine headaches, osteoporosis, liver dysfunction, and various types of schizophrenia. Other qualities may include excessive emotions, sentimentality, a tendency to depression, fearfulness, hidden anger and resentments, phobias, psychosis and violence.

In today's modern world, accumulating harmful levels of copper has become easier than ever due to several factors, including but not limited to:

• The popularity of high-copper diets, such as veganism and vegetarianism
• The extensive use of birth control, particularly copper IUDs
• The rising occurrence of chronic diseases
• Elevated levels of psychological stress and trauma
• The widespread presence of environmental xenoestrogens

Achieving Zinc Adequacy 

As we have discussed extensively, maintaining zinc levels is important for the well-being of various systems, including the immune, skin, gastrointestinal, nervous, skeletal, and reproductive systems. Ensuring adequate zinc levels involves managing several factors, with an emphasis on avoiding excessive copper accumulation. This can be achieved through lifestyle habits, diet, and targeted supplementation.

• Stress management is essential for regulating adrenal hormones, which control the body's response to stress and play a significant role in maintaining zinc and copper balance. Severe stress, or a series of minor stressors, can severely deplete the body's zinc reserves.
• Regular use of saunas or steam baths promotes sweating, which helps remove copper in excess through the skin.
• Enhancing liver function can help in the metabolism and excretion of excess copper.
• Minimize exposure to copper sources, including copper plumbing, copper cookware, and birth control methods containing copper, such as the copper IUD.

• Including zinc-rich foods in the diet is essential, with recommended dietary intake ranging from 3 mg/day for children to 8-11 mg/day for adult males and females, and even higher requirements for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Foods richest and most bioavailable in zinc include: (from USDA Food Data Central) - (per 100 g cooked)
• Oysters = 33.2 mg
• Chicken hearts = 7.3 mg
• Red meat = 4.5-9 mg 
• Crab = 5.5 mg
• Lobster = 4.1 mg
• Octopus = 3.4 mg
• Mussels = 2.7 mg
• Pork = 2.3 mg 

• Consume high-copper foods in moderation, such as grass-fed beef liver, cacao, nuts and seeds, bee pollen, and grains or legumes that are not properly soaked or sprouted.
• Maintaining a robust digestive system is crucial since it affects how minerals are absorbed and excreted. Factors such as stomach acid secretion, the health of the gut lining, and microbiome should all be taken into consideration. A simple raw carrot salad daily can help reduce endotoxin accumulation in the digestive tract, easing the burden on both the digestive system and liver.

• Zinc - Many individuals can maintain adequate zinc levels by regularly consuming foods rich in zinc. However, some may benefit from zinc supplementation to counteract high copper levels. Setting itself apart from conventional synthetic zinc supplements, Oyster (Zn) offers bioavailable zinc glycinate stabilized by other naturally occurring minerals found in nature.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C can help chelate, or bind and excrete, copper while also supporting adrenal function. A whole food source such as organic acerola cherry or camu camu is preferred for additional health benefits that extend beyond ascorbic acid. 
• Ox Bile - Improving bile flow and liver function can support overall detoxification processes in the body, including the excretion of heavy metals like copper. Bile salts, a component in ox bile, plays a crucial role in stimulating bile flow.