Can Zink help with stress?

Zinc is an essential trace element involved in numerous enzymatic processes, including neurotransmitter synthesis and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Zinc deficiency may be associated with increased oxidative stress and impaired stress response. However, evidence for a stress-reducing effect of zinc supplementation in individuals without proven deficiency is weak. Some small studies suggest possible mood improvements, but large-scale randomized controlled trials are lacking. Effects are dose-dependent, and high doses can cause side effects such as nausea or copper deficiency. Therefore, supplementation without medical evaluation and zinc status assessment is not recommended. The evidence base is primarily mechanistic; direct clinical evidence for stress reduction is limited.