Which supplement is necessary to prevent parakeratosis?

Parakeratosis is a condition characterized by abnormal keratinization of the skin, and it is most commonly associated with a deficiency in zinc. Zinc plays a crucial role in numerous biological functions, including skin health, immune system function, and maintaining proper cellular metabolism. When zinc levels are inadequate, it can lead to impaired skin function and the development of conditions like parakeratosis.

Supplementing with zinc helps restore normal skin properties and prevents the keratinization process from becoming abnormal. This is particularly important in species sensitive to zinc deficiency, such as certain breeds of dogs. Adequate zinc levels are vital for proper skin structure and function, making zinc supplementation necessary to prevent parakeratosis.

Other options, while important in different contexts, do not directly correlate with preventing parakeratosis. For instance, vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function, iron is critical for oxygen transport in the blood, and selenium plays a key role in antioxidant defense, but none of these supplements address the specific skin issues linked with zinc deficiency.