Evidence supporting the use of: Zinc
For the body system: Thymus
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Zinc is scientifically validated as an essential trace element for the proper function and development of the thymus, an organ critical to the immune system. The thymus is where T lymphocytes (T cells) mature, which play a central role in adaptive immunity. Zinc deficiency is well-documented to cause thymic atrophy (shrinkage), impaired T cell development, and compromised immune responses. Numerous studies in both animals and humans have demonstrated that inadequate zinc intake leads to a reduction in thymic hormone activity and decreased output of functional T cells. Conversely, zinc supplementation in deficient individuals can restore thymic size and improve immune function. For example, a review in Immunological Reviews (2019) highlights zinc’s importance for thymulin, a thymic hormone, whose activity is zinc-dependent. Clinical research has also shown that zinc supplementation in malnourished or elderly populations improves thymic function and related immune parameters. However, while zinc is crucial for thymus health and immune function broadly, its benefits are primarily seen in the context of deficiency, and excess supplementation does not further enhance thymic activity. In summary, zinc’s role in supporting the thymus and immune system is strongly backed by scientific evidence, particularly in populations at risk for deficiency.
Other body systems supported by zinc
Adrenal GlandsArteries
Blood
Brain
Brain
Cortisol
Digestive System
Eyes
Glandular System
Gums
Hair
Hair
Heart
Hepatic System
Hypothalamus
Immune System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Male Reproductive System
Mucus Membranes
Nails
Nerves
Pancreas Head
Parathyroid Glands
Parotids (Salivary Glands)
Peyer’s patches
Pituitary
Prostate
Rectum
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin
Small Intestines
Smell
Stomach
Structural System
Sweat Glands
Taste
Taste
Teeth
Testes
Testes
Testosterone
Thymus
Thyroid Gland
Tonsils
Uterus
Vocal Cords
Products containing zinc
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free)
Nature's Sunshine 5-HTP Power
Nature's Sunshine Adrenal Support
Nature's Sunshine AnxiousLess
Nature's Sunshine AnxiousLess
Nature's Sunshine Bowel Detox
Nature's Sunshine Calcium-Magnesium (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine Candida Clear
Nature's Sunshine Cellular Energy
Nature's Sunshine Children's Elderberry Immune
Nature's Sunshine Children's MultiVitamin & Mineral
Nature's Sunshine Defense Maintenance
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas
Nature's Sunshine Master Gland Formula®
Nature's Sunshine Mega-Chel
Nature's Sunshine Men's Formula (With Lycopene)
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (SynerPro)
Nature's Sunshine MultiVitamin & Mineral (Time Release)
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Prenatal
Nature's Sunshine Nature's Harvest
Nature's Sunshine Perfect Eyes
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Skeletal Strength
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Twenty-Four
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Immune
Nature's Sunshine Structural System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental
Nature's Sunshine Super Supplemental (Without Iron)
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine Target TS-II Formula
Nature's Sunshine Thyroid Support
Nature's Sunshine Ultrabiome DTX
Nature's Sunshine VitaWave
Nature's Sunshine Yeast/Fungal Detox
Nature's Sunshine Zinc
Nature's Sunshine Zinc Lozenge
