The zinc status of an individual has been shown to cause changes to the adrenal secretions of an individual. Because zinc can regulate adrenal secretions, studies have investigated the effects of zinc supplements of stress hormone release. In one study, researchers administered 25, 37.5 or 60 mg of zinc to healthy subjects following a fast. The effects of the zinc supplements were observed as a significant reduction in the secretion of cortisol during the 4 hours of the study testing period. Therefore it may be that zinc supplements are able to lower blood levels of cortisol, and this may in part explain the mood elevating effects of zinc. It is known that the adrenal glands are rich in zinc and various disease states such as adrenal insufficiency and Cushing’s syndrome, that are characterised by low and high cortisol concentrations respectively, are also associated with alterations in zinc metabolism. Making sure that optimal zinc status is present may therefore be a pivotal strategy in effectively reducing stress levels.
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