Zinc

Zinc is in every cell of the body and is a part of over 200 enzymes. Essential for the maintenance of vision, taste and smell, this mineral is also necessary for immune function, protein synthesis, and cell growth. It is required for the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Zinc has been used successfully in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, acne, and macular(eye) degeneration.

While severe deficiencies of zinc are uncommon, marginal deficiencies are frequent in the elderly, those suffering from abnormal eating behavior, and AIDS patients. Deficiencies may be responsible for many of the secondary conditions in AIDS patients, including gastrointestinal malfunction, diarrhea, anorexia, impaired immunity, central nervous system malfunction, and hypoalbuminemia.¹ Researchers speculate that depressed zinc levels might be a sustaining factor in abnormal eating behavior and recommend that patients receive supplements in addition to a well-balanced diet. A study from 1992, unrelated to the AIDS study, states that zinc supplementation contributes to successful treatment of anorexia, one of the secondary conditions of AIDS.²

Zinc deficiency in the elderly is suspected as a possible factor in Alzheimer’s disease. Zinc is involved with enzymes which govern DNA function. Dementia, the hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s, is thought to result from disturbances in these enzymes and DNA cells. AlzheimerÕs patients have been shown to have low levels of zinc in brain and cerebrospinal fluid. Supplements have led to improvements in memory, comprehension, communication, and social interaction in these patients. Other studies confirm these 1992 findings.³

Zinc is central to male sex hormone and prostate function. Deficiencies may lead to prostate enlargement and decreased testosterone and sperm count. Studies from the 1980s indicate zinc is a good treatment for oligospermia and for some, infertility.⁴ For women, low zinc levels during pregnancy may lead to premature birth, low birth weight, growth retardation, and preeclempsia (in the mother). Research from 1995 supports the use of supplements to improve pregnancy outcomes, suggesting zinc should be incorporated into prenatal care.⁵

Zinc plays an important role in immune function, helping increase resistance to infection and tumor growth. When combined with Vitamin A supplements, zinc helps the suppressed immune system recover. Low levels of zinc result in a decrease in helper T-cells and thymic hormone, which may adversely effect immune functioning. Low doses of zinc have been shown to improve immunity without causing the side effects associated with high doses of the mineral. It has shown antiviral properties and is used in lozenge form to shorten the duration of the common cold.⁶ In stark contrast, high doses of zinc may also impair immunity.

1 Odeh M: The role of zinc in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. J Int Med 1992;231:463-469.

2 McClain C, Stuart M, Vivian B, et al: Zinc status before and after zinc supplementation of eating disorder patients. J Am Col N 1992;11:694-700; and Varela P, Marcos A, Navarro M: Zinc status in anorexia nervosa. Ann Nutr M 1992;36:197-202.

3 Constantinidis J, Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by zinc compounds. Drug Develop Res 27, 1-14, 1992.

4 Tikkiwal M, et al., Effect of zinc administration on seminal zinc and fertility of oligospermic males. Ind J Physiol Pharmacol 31, 30-34, 1987; and Netter A, et al., Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and sperm count. Arch Androl 7, 69-73, 1981.

5 Goldenber RL, et al., The effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcome. JAMA 274, 463-468, 1995.

6 Eby GA, Davis DR, and Halcomb WW, Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 25, 20-24, 1984.

• Beef, lean
• Chicken heart
• Egg yolk
• Fish
• Herring
• Lamb
• Maple syrup
• Milk
• Molasses, black-strap
• Oysters
• Pork
• Sesame seeds
• Soybeans
• Sunflower seeds
• Turkey
• Wheat bran
• Wheat germ
• Whole-grain products
• Yeast

Available as:

• Tablets: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.
• Lozenge form.
• Forms which are well-absorbed are zinc bound to picolinate, acetate, citrate, gluconate, glycine, monomethionine, or chelates. Zinc sulfate is not as well absorbed.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• Functions as antioxidant.
• Maintains normal taste and smell.
• Promotes normal growth and development.
• Aids wound healing.
• Promotes normal fetal growth.
• Helps synthesize DNA and RNA.
• Promotes cell division, cell repair, cell growth.
• Maintains normal level of vitamin A in blood.

What this mineral does:

• Zinc is a part of the molecular structure of 80 or more known enzymes. These particular enzymes work with red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS:

• Relieves angina.
• Relieves cirrhosis of liver.
• Boosts immunity.
• Prevents cancer.
• Increases male potency and sex drive.
• Enhances other treatments for diabetes mellitus.
• Treats acne.
• Treats arthritis.
• Cures cold symptoms.
• Retards aging.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

• Anyone with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements, such as vegetarians.
• Preschool children.
• Older people (over 55 years).
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women.
• Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs.
• People with a chronic wasting illness, excess stress for long periods or those who have recently undergone surgery.
• Those with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically removed.
• People with recent severe burns or injuries.
• Anyone taking diuretics (water pills) for any reason, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, liver disease.
• Women taking oral contraceptives.
• Those who live in areas where soil is deficient in zinc.

Miscellaneous information:

• Zinc toxicity from inhalation is rare but can occur in the following industries and occupations—alloy manufacturing, brass foundry, bronze foundry, electric-fuse manufacturing, gas welding, electroplating, galvanizing, paint manufacturing, metal cutting, metal spraying, rubber manufacturing, roof manufacturing, zinc manufacturing.
• If you take zinc supplements, take with food to decrease gastric irritation.
• Take zinc apart from high fiber foods.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

Moderate deficiency:

• Loss of taste and smell
• Suboptimal growth in children
• Alopecia
• Rashes
• Multiple skin lesions
• Glossitis
• Stomatitis
• Blepharitis
• Paronychia
• Sterility
• Low sperm count
• Delayed wound healing

Serious deficiency:

• Delayed bone maturation
• Enlarged spleen or liver
• Decreased size of testicles
• Testicular function less than normal
• Decreased growth or dwarfism¹

  1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• Infertility
• Symptoms of immunodeficiency diseases
• Such as recurrent infections
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fever
• Swollen lymph glands¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

 

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

• Serum zinc (by atomic absorption spectroscopy)
• White blood cell content; lymphocyte growth response; zinc sulfate 7 hydrate taste test; hair analysis only if levels are abnormally low¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

Optimal Levels

• 15-30 mg.

Minimum Dosage

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):

Estimate of adequate daily intake by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council, 1989.

Don't take if you:

• Stomach or duodenal ulcers.

Consult your doctor if you have:

• Plans to take more than the manufacturer's recommended dose.
• To take any calcium supplement or tetracycline drugs. Zinc may interfere with absorption of these medicines.

Over age 55:

Deficiency more likely.

Pregnancy:

• Many diets are marginally low in zinc and may not supply the zinc estimated to be required during pregnancy. Ask your doctor about supplementation.
• Overconsumption is dangerous and can lead to premature labor or stillbirth.
• Don't take megadoses.

Breast feeding:

• Some diets are marginally low in zinc and may not supply the zinc estimated to be required while breast-feeding. Ask your doctor about supplementation.
• Don't take megadoses

Effect on lab tests:

• Decreases high-density lipoprotein levels in young males. High-density lipoproteins decrease risk of coronary-artery disease.
• High doses decrease copper in blood.

Storage:

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of mineral.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

Signs and symptoms:

Toxicity at RDA doses highly unlikely. Toxic symptoms are extremes of the Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects listed. Overdose produces drowsiness, lethargy, lightheadedness, difficulty writing, staggering gait, restlessness, excessive vomiting leading to dehydration.

Zinc may produce toxic symptoms if taken for a prolonged period at a dosage of over 150 mg daily.

What to do:

For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult doctor. Also see Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects.

For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Call emergency services, the telephone operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

• Alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can increase the excretion of zinc in urine and can impair body's ability to combine zinc into its proper enzyme combinations in the liver.
• Coffee should not be consumed at the same time as zinc because it may decrease absorption of zinc.¹

1 From Griffith HW, Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements

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