Zinc

What is Zinc?

Zinc supplements provide an essential mineral that can be found in and is required by every cell in the body. The body, however, cannot manufacture zinc; as such, we must take enough in from the water we drink and the foods that we eat - or use supplements.

How can Zinc supplements benefit you?

Zinc plays a vital role in hundreds of bodily processes; among the most prominent are supporting the immune system, tissues, and joints, as well as aiding in cell growth, and affording protection against colds.

Zinc has also been known for boosting sexual function and fertility, the health of our hair, and facilitating the healing of skin wounds and conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

In fact, this mineral plays an important role in the proper functioning of some of our most overt senses, such as our ability to smell, taste, and see. In some studies, taking zinc supplements was able to counter vision loss due to macular degeneration, while, on the other hand, a deficiency in zinc sometimes leads to a dulling of the taste buds and ability to detect scents. Low zinc levels have also been shown to coincide with low sperm counts in men.

Precautions

Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Some studies have shown that taking more than 100 mg of zinc daily for a prolonged period of time can actually impair the immune system. On the other hand, many older people have been shown to be deficient in this mineral and could benefit by taking a supplement.

Tips on Choosing a Zinc Supplement

Zinc can interfere with copper absorption. Therefore, experts recommend that both should be taken together. We believe that in general, consumers are much better off taking their zinc supplements as part of a scientifically balanced, comprehensive formula since, in fact, most vitamins and minerals work synergistically.
Zinc supplements come in many forms. Zinc gluconate, picolinate, acetate, and citrate are all readily absorbable forms.

What is Zinc?

It is silvery-blue metal and is essential for human health. There are around 2 grams of zinc found the body.

Why is it needed?

It is involved in the structure and function of cell membranes and is involved in the production of more than 200 enzymes. It is needed if wounds are to heal properly and for ensuring healthy skin.

It is very good for the immune system, for correct smell and taste, sexual function and for vision. It is also involved in bone metabolism.

Where is it found?

Oysters, eggs, black eyed beans, tofu beef, pork, wheatgerm, lamb, crab, miso and pork and beef liver.

What happens if you are deficient?  

It is likely that you will develop infections (as is seen in older people who are often deficient in this mineral) if you are deficient. What zinc actually does is increases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.

People who are deficient in zinc have a poor sense of smell and taste and because of these two factors people lose their appetite and then get even more unwell because they are not taking in enough nutrients.

There is some speculation that eating disorders where there is loss of appetite followed by compulsive eating is due to dieting which leads to zinc deficiency. This condition, however, is very complicated so get further help if you suffer from this condition.

What conditions has it been used to treat?

Primary: 

• Common cold : Zinc gluconate reduces the symptoms of a cold cutting the illness by up to half, but you must take it in the form where it dissolves in the mouth. It is thought to work because it affects the facial nerve endings this dries up the nose and prevents the cold virus from multiplying. Lozenges containing 15- 25 mg of zinc are recommended.
• AIDS : Low levels of zinc have been found in those with AIDS, therefore, researched to see if zinc can assist in maintaining the immune system in these people.
• Eyesight : Zinc is involved with ensuring that the retina functions well so those who are deficient may experience vision loss due to macular degeneration.
• Sexual function - if deficient men can experience a reduction in testosterone which is the main hormone involved in male reproduction.
• Zinc deficiency can lead to a reduced sex drive too and adolescent boys who are late at going into puberty often have low levels of zinc.

Secondary: 

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia has been treated with this mineral.
• Zinc has also been used in the production of neurotransmitters, and intravenous formulas of the is mineral are often given to those with head injuries.
• Alcoholics and low-income pregnant women tend to be low in zinc, as too are those with sickle cell anaemia, and chronic kidney disease.

How much is normally taken?

15-25 mg will prevent deficiencies. For other conditions doses of up to 50mg three times a day are given but always under the supervision of a nutritionally qualified practitioner.

Are there any contraindications or side effects?

Doses over 300 mg a day can interfere with immune function. Those taking zinc in lozenge form complain of stomach upset, nausea, mouth irritation and a bad taste.

Zinc interferes with copper absorption so you may need to supplement with a small amount of copper (unless you have Wilson's disease).

If you do take a high dose of zinc over a period of time you should take a multivitamin too so you can keep a mineral balance of iron, calcium and magnesium.