Overview
Zinc sulfate is an inorganic compound that’s a combination of sulfur and zinc, with the chemical formula ZnSO4. The compound is highly soluble in water. It’s colorless and odorless. Zinc is a trace mineral, which means you only need a very small amount of it every day. You can get this essential nutrient by eating a balanced diet, but sometimes you may need to take a zinc supplement.
Potential Benefits
Zinc helps to control inflammation and prevent elevated inflammatory responses that occur when the body is fighting an infection. For this reason, zinc sulfate is often included in over-the-counter cold remedies and dietary supplements due to its potential to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.
Your body needs zinc to function properly. If you don’t get enough, you could develop health problems.
Your body uses zinc to do the following:
- Heal wounds.
- Support the function of your immune system.
- Develop your reproductive system.
- Develop your sense of taste and smell.
- Produce and store insulin.
- Help your thyroid and metabolism work properly.
- Make proteins and DNA.
Zinc is a vital nutrient in pregnancy. It helps with the proper development of the fetus. People who breastfeed also need more zinc in their diet than usual. It has been identified as a cofactor for over 70 different enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase and both RNA. Also helps maintain normal growth rates, normal skin hydration and the senses of taste and smell. Slows macular degeneration, which is a common eye disease and one of the leading causes of vision loss around the globe.
Zinc supplements are often used to promote skin health and treat common skin conditions like acne.