Shoppers have been left impressed after trying out a tablet they say has improved the appearance of their skin, hair and nails. Holland and Barrett's Zinc 15mg tablets have received some rave reviews from people who claim they've noticed a change after taking them. A bottle of 60 tablets cost £3.49 - which equates to 6p per pill. You can also get 120 tablets for £6.89 , or 240 tablets for £11.99 . If skin is unhealthy, it usually displays “warning signs”. These signs of poor skin health can include premature ageing, dark circles, dull complexion, blemishes, dark spots and itchy skin. Zinc is important for making new skin tissue and helping wounds to heal. It keeps cell walls stable and is needed to produce structural proteins, such as collage. It can also play a part in clearing acne. One study found a 49.8% reduction of blemishes in participants taking 30mg of topical zinc for 12 weeks. A zinc deficiency can look like eczema , but it most likely won't get better with moisturisers and steroid creams. Zinc is a trace element, meaning you only need a tiny amount of it. However, It is estimated that up to 17% of the global population is at risk of inadequate zinc intake. Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system, normal fertility and reproduction, maintenance of normal vision and cognitive function (Image: Holland and Barrett) Holland and Barrett customers have given the zinc tablets 4.7 stars out of five. In the reviews, one shopper said: "This stuff cleared my rosacea and acne pimples, I did not know zinc was capable of doing this. At first I bought these tablets for immunity but it’s done wonders with my skin and has healed my skin barrier on my face." A second wrote: "Got these to help with hair and skin as well as the immune system. So far I have noticed a difference in my nails as they have got really long and my hair seems to be a little healthier looking." A third put: "I’ve been taking these for a couple of weeks now and the difference in my skin is amazing." Another added: "Best thing I've ever started taking! really helped my nails, hair and skin!" A fifth declared: "I saw an immediate improvement to my skin." However, not everyone was in agreement. One customer typed: "Been taking these for a while now and not made the slightest bit of difference to my hair, nails and skin. Which is the reason why I purchased. Everyone is different so may work for you, just did not for me." Elsewhere, Boots is selling 180 Zinc 15mg Tablets for £8.20 . You can also get High Strength Chelated Zinc Supplements for £7.99 on
Amazon. Superdrug is also offering 60 Zinc 15mg Tablets for £3.49 . Always consult a doctor if you are experiencing skin problems to rule out any serious medical causes. Also speak to your GP before taking supplements to check if they are suitable for you - it is possible to overdose on some vitamins and minerals. What else does zinc do? According to the NHS , zinc is a mineral, which is involved in hundreds of chemical reactions in the human body. Zinc is important for immune function, acid-base balance, digestion, growth and development, skin and hair health, genetic transcription, antioxidant activity and much more. What happens if my zinc is low? Because zinc affects so many systems in the body, there is no single distinct symptom of zinc deficiency. Some of the more common symptoms include loss of or diminished smell and taste, poor wound healing, hair loss, roughening of skin/rashes, low libido (men), canker sores, lethargy, and deformed nails. If symptoms progress, there can be serious immune problems, severe diarrhoea, severe hair loss (even total), loss of night vision, and significant rash around the mouth and genitals. Excessive zinc intake can be toxic, however. Zinc can also deplete copper in the body, so if you are taking supplemental zinc, you need to make sure you have adequate copper. High doses of zinc can also cause digestive and renal problems, so it is best to take high doses only when instructed to do so by your doctor and only for the recommended length of time. What foods are rich in zinc? You can increase your zinc intake without a daily zinc supplement by eating meat, shellfish, dairy products, wheat germ, legumes (beans, peas, lentils), nuts and seeds. What other vitamins are good for the skin? Vitamin A - is particularly important for our skin, as it has a high cell turnover Vitamin B2 - is also known as riboflavin, and is responsible for keeping the skin, eyes, and nervous system healthy. Vitamin C - helps with the absorption of iron from your food and with the healing process. It is not stored in the body, so is needed every day. Vitamin D - is one of the most important vitamins for our overall health. It helps to support our bones, brain, heart, muscles, immune system, and skin. Vitamin E - helps maintain healthy skin and eyes, and strengthen the body's natural defence against illness and infection (the immune system). Iron - is important for healing as it helps to maintain blood haemoglobin levels. Protein - helps to maintain and repair body tissues. Selenium - a mineral that can play a role in soothing red, sensitive skin and help to calm the effects of breakouts and skin conditions like eczema.