The mineral zinc boosts immunity, senses and cellular development. It is an essential component in over 300 enzymes and is involved in hundreds of physiological processes, from DNA production to cell repair. However, men need much more of this mineral – without it, the production of the male sex hormone testosterone would be impossible. This steroid hormone greatly affects behavior, libido, energy, fertility, muscle mass, hair growth, voice, and more. Although both sexes possess and use this hormone, men produce 40 to 60 times more of it than women. Another function of zinc is related to its role in sperm development and maturation. A significant number of men suffering from sperm quality problems find a solution in additional zinc intake after consultation with a doctor. Zinc plays such an important role in the development and health of sperm that up to 5 mg of the mineral is released with just one ejaculation. Combined vitamin and mineral supplements are often sufficient to compensate for inadequate dietary zinc intake, but are only a temporary solution – this key element of a man’s diet should be taken with foods such as red meat and liver, shellfish, grains and legumes , pumpkin and sunflower seeds, mustard, almonds, etc. NEWS_MORE_BOX The recommended daily intake of zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. In mineral supplements, it is contained in the form of zinc oxide, zinc picolinate, zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate and the best absorbed by the body – zinc glycinate.