Vitamin D Receptors (VDR) are a bit like sensors attached to genes. These VDRs wait for Vitamin D to attach and instruct the genes what to do.

Recent research has now identified 2,776 binding sites for the VDR across the length of the human genome.

At the base of these sensors is a zinc molecule. Vitamin D cannot function properly if you are zinc deficient. Zinc deficiency, by changing the activity of VDR, changes the protein expression of VDR, and thus affects the transcription of the target gene.

The list below outlines the main roles of zinc in the body:

•       Zinc is needed for DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, mitosis, and cell activation.
•       Zinc-dependent enzymes are involved in metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates.
•       Zinc plays as essential role in cell membrane integrity.
•       Zinc helps manage insulin action and blood glucose concentration.
•       Zinc has an essential role in development and maintenance of the body's immune system.
•       Zinc is required for bone and teeth mineralization.
•       Zinc is involved with normal taste and wound healing.
•       Zinc is required for the synthesis of various biological markers of nutrition and of collagen.
•       Zinc is essential in regulating gene expression.
•       Zinc has long been considered to have anti-inflammatory properties.
•       Zinc containing enzymes such as carbonic anhydrase and lactate dehydrogenase are involved in intermediary metabolism during exercise.
•       Zinc is particularly important for cells that are rapidly turning over such as those in the immune system; as well as in the maintenance of the central nervous system

Zinc deficiencies are not uncommon, especially for vegetarians and the elderly.

40fYME® International D3 with Cofactors (5000iu)   contains 5mg of Zinc.