Zinc

BACKGROUND: Zinc is another mineral that is necessary for life. The body does not make zinc; we typically get it through the foods we eat (for example, red meat, fish and poultry, dairy products, nuts, legumes, and whole grains) or supplements. Historical information is limited; however, zinc may have been used in various forms since 140 BC as a medicinal source, as a help for "sore eyes" (Wikipedia); as an astringent, an antiseptic, and for skin irritation. Since that time, a lot has been learned about the body's uses of zinc.

As an essential element of the body, zinc plays many roles in our bodies.  It is partially responsible for growth, adequate wound healing, healthy testicular and ovarian function, adequate thyroid function, and immune function, to name just a few of Zinc's benefits. Below is a partial breakdown of these benefits.

What Does Zinc Do for the Body?

Respiratory: One of the most well-known and popular uses of zinc is related to boosting the immune system and in fighting colds.  Zinc helps enhance the functions of white blood cells in addition to having antiviral properties. According to the National Institute of Health, zinc can be particularly helpful in shortening the duration of colds, flu, and pneumonia  (like cough, sore throat and nasal drainage).

Eyes: Zinc is sometimes used in some eye formulations to slow macular degeneration, for night blindness, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Ears: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Gastrointestinal: Zinc aids in our digestive process. It may help with diarrhea related to HIV/AIDS and malaria. It may help in the treatment of intestinal parasites.  It may help with xerostomia (dry mouth), hypogeusia (inability to taste things), alcoholic liver disease, hyperbilirubinemia, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), canker sores, GI ulcers, control of fecal incontinence (topical), halitosis (bad breath), prevention of dental plaque and gingivitis. And,amongother things, zinc may help gastrointestinal inflammation.

Genitourinary: Sometimes used for bladder infections

Musculoskeletal: Osteoporosis, RA (rheumatoid arthritis), psoriatic arthritis, may enhance body growth, athletic performance and strength (insufficient zinc may result in stunted growth)

Skin: Zinc has alot of potential beneficial actions for skin problems: Skin ulcers, psoriasis, fungal infections, warts, itching, rosacea, hair loss, eczema, acne, burns, leprosy, dry skin, aging skin, herpes simplex, promotion of wound healing, diaper rash, promotes healthy skin, infections, and acne

Heart/Cardiovascular: Helps reduce high blood pressure, clogged arteries

Glucose: Since zinc is partially responsible for insulin production, it may help in controlling blood sugar.

Cholesterol: Can lower good cholesterol (HDL)

Thyroid: Zinc is necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones. Insufficient zinc levels can result in hypothyroidism.

Genitourinary: Enlarged prostate, fertility problems, ED (erectile dysfunction), ovarian cysts

Neurologic: Helps with nerve function and may help decrease symptoms of diabetic neuropathy

Mental Health: Anorexia (low zinc can actually cause poor appetite), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum depression, dementia, ADHD, irritability, hepatic encephalopathy (liver-related brain function impairment),

Other: Helps with general metabolism; also may help with the side effects of chemotherapy. May help with chronic conditions: Down syndrome (Zinc is often deficient in Down syndrome - leading to some common problems that Down syndrome children develop); cystic fibrosis; Hansen's disease; asthma; and COPD. It may help with blood disorders: Sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and prevention of anemia.

Symptoms of a Zinc Deficiency (Chronic)

Eye and skin sores, weight loss, decreased taste, decreased alertness, and chronic deficiency can present with growth impairment, sexual dysfunction, inflammation, hypothyroidism,  gastrointestinal problems, or skin involvement.

Symptoms of Excessive Zinc Levels (Chronic)

Loss of appetite may lower immunity, can lower good cholesterol (HDL), low copper

Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps,  headaches, hematemesis (blood in vomit), dizziness, headache, fever, cough, muscle incoordination, drowsiness, excess sweating, fatigue, and hallucinations, occasionally skin irritation when used topically.

Cautions/Contraindications: , Interactions with several medications, especially those metabolized by CYP450 3A4 (some antibiotics, some antivirals, cisplatin, and others)

FORMS Capsules, nasal swabs and nasal sprays  with a debate on whether the latter work - many patients feel they do, but some of the literature says they do not (nasal preparations are occasionally associated with a loss of smell), mouthwash, eye drops, lotions, gels, creams: topical (OTC and prescription), and lozenges

DOSAGE: As  directed

The following are reported doses and may NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources, i.e., WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, ConsumerLabs, German Commission E, NIH publications, and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

Daily Recommended Oral Doses (per NIH)

Teen males     14–18 years      11 mg daily

Teen females  14–18 years     9 mg daily

Adult males    11 mg daily

Adult females  8 mg daily

Most people get adequate amounts of zinc from their diets. Some foods high in zinc include:  Oysters, crab, lobster, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts (especially cashews), whole grains, oats, some dairy products, fortified breakfast cereal, pork, beans, chickpeas and others

Recommended Brands

Life Extension Zinc Caps 50 mg (This link is to a trusted affiliate brand of zinc which has been third-party tested by ConsumerLab, evaluated for quality, measured for declared quantity of ingredients, freshness, purity/contamination (including heavy metals and others), cost, and disintegration. (See information about affiliates below)