A prolonged deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological problems. Some people may experience fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, balance difficulties, or memory-related symptoms.
Vitamin B12 is particularly important for older adults because the ability to absorb the vitamin from food may decrease with age.
Certain medications and digestive conditions can also interfere with B12 absorption.
Chicken gizzards can contribute to dietary vitamin B12 intake, although the amount varies. Other sources include fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, dairy products, and fortified foods.
People following strict vegan diets generally need reliable fortified foods or supplements because unfortified plant foods do not naturally provide dependable amounts of vitamin B12.
3. Riboflavin helps convert food into energy
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, plays a role in energy metabolism.
The body uses it to help process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also participates in normal cellular growth and function.
A deficiency can affect the skin, mouth, and eyes, although severe deficiency is uncommon in people who eat a varied diet.
Chicken gizzards contribute riboflavin along with other B vitamins.
It is important to understand that vitamins do not provide energy in the same way calories do. Rather, they help the body convert nutrients from food into usable energy.
Eating more riboflavin will not necessarily make someone feel more energetic if they already consume enough.
4. Zinc supports immune function and tissue repair
Zinc is involved in hundreds of enzymatic processes.
It supports normal immune function, DNA synthesis, protein production, cell division, and wound healing.
The immune system depends on zinc to maintain the normal development and activity of various immune cells.
Inadequate zinc intake may impair immune responses and slow the healing process.
Chicken gizzards provide zinc, although they are not the only dietary source. Meat, seafood, dairy products, beans, nuts, and seeds can also contribute.
People should avoid assuming that consuming large amounts of zinc will automatically strengthen immunity. Excessive zinc intake, particularly from supplements, can cause nausea and interfere with copper absorption.
A balanced intake is more beneficial than excessive consumption.
5. Selenium contributes to antioxidant protection
Selenium is a trace mineral required in relatively small amounts.
It forms part of several proteins called selenoproteins, which participate in antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism, and other cellular processes.
The body uses these proteins to help regulate oxidative stress and protect cells from certain forms of damage.
Chicken gizzards can contribute selenium to the diet.
Other sources include seafood, meat, eggs, and certain plant foods. Selenium levels in plant foods can vary depending on the selenium content of the soil where they were grown.
As with other micronutrients, more is not always better. Excessive selenium intake can cause hair loss, brittle nails, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neurological problems.
6. Phosphorus supports bones and normal cell function
Phosphorus is a mineral found throughout the body, particularly in bones and teeth.
It works alongside calcium to maintain skeletal structure. It also plays a central role in energy storage and transfer because it is part of molecules such as ATP.
ATP is the primary energy-carrying molecule used by cells.
Chicken gizzards provide phosphorus, contributing to the body's daily requirements.
Most people obtain sufficient phosphorus from food, so additional intake is not automatically beneficial.
People with chronic kidney disease may need individualized advice about phosphorus because impaired kidney function can make it difficult to regulate blood mineral levels.
Chapter 4: Potential Health Benefitsโand What Chicken Gizzards Cannot Do
The nutritional profile of chicken gizzards suggests several ways they may contribute to a healthy eating pattern.
However, it is important to distinguish between a food providing essential nutrients and a food being proven to prevent or treat a medical condition.
Chicken gizzards are nutritious, but they are not medicine.
1. Contributing to normal immune function
The immune system requires adequate protein, zinc, selenium, iron, and several vitamins to function properly.
Chicken gizzards provide some of these nutrients, making them a useful addition to a varied diet.
Protein helps support the production and maintenance of immune-related proteins and cells. Zinc contributes to normal immune-cell development, while selenium participates in antioxidant and thyroid-related processes.
Iron is also necessary for normal immune function, although both iron deficiency and iron overload can have negative effects.
A diet that regularly includes nutrient-rich foods can help prevent certain nutritional deficiencies.
Nevertheless, eating chicken gizzards will not prevent someone from catching a virus, eliminate an infection, or replace vaccination and medical treatment.
Good immune health depends on many factors, including sleep, physical activity, vaccination, hygiene, stress management, and an overall balanced diet.
2. Supporting normal thyroid function
Selenium plays an important role in thyroid hormone metabolism.
The thyroid gland uses specialized enzymes to help regulate the conversion of thyroid hormones into their active forms. Several of these enzymes depend on selenium.
Chicken gizzards can contribute selenium to a person's daily intake.
However, thyroid disorders are complex. Conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have different causes and require appropriate medical assessment.
Eating selenium-containing foods is not a substitute for thyroid medication or treatment.
People who suspect they have a thyroid problem should discuss appropriate testing with a healthcare professional.
3. Helping maintain healthy blood production
The iron and vitamin B12 found in chicken gizzards contribute to normal blood cell production.
Iron is needed for hemoglobin, while vitamin B12 is required for normal red blood cell development.
Folate is another essential nutrient involved in red blood cell formation, although the amount supplied by gizzards may not be sufficient to meet daily requirements.