Cardiovascular benefits. Zinc deficiency increases your risk of atherosclerosis, and zinc supplementation reduces your risk of this artery-clogging disease. Research indicates that zinc achieves this effect by reducing the levels of LDL-C in your blood, which is one of the most dangerous forms of cholesterol. Tissue health benefits. Many hospitals use zinc to treat ulcers, burns, and other skin lesions. Zinc is also essential to collagen synthesis, which means that zinc supplementation can improve the collagen levels in your skin and other tissues.
Zinc can speed up wound healing. A study found that subjects with diabetic foot ulcers who were administered zinc experienced impressive ulcer size reductions. Anti-inflammatory benefits.
Oxidative stress causes inflammation, and zinc reduces oxidative stress. One study found that adults who supplemented with zinc suffered from less inflammation.
Since inflammation plays a key role in the genesis and progression of many diseases, zinc supplementation may protect you from a variety of dangerous conditions. Immune system benefits. Zinc might reduce the duration of the common cold better than vitamin C. A study found that ingesting about 80mg of zinc per day reduced the duration of cold symptoms by 33 percent. Zinc also reduces the risk of infection in adults.
Other benefits. Research indicates that zinc may help prevent a variety of age-related illnesses. While zinc itself is inherently insoluble in either water or fat, combining zinc with citric acid to make zinc citrate makes this mineral somewhat water-soluble.
Therefore, your body absorbs zinc citrate relatively quickly, and this substance is also rapidly excreted. Zinc is plentiful in oysters, beef, chicken, and other meat products, and this substance is also available in certain types of beans and nuts.
In addition, many cereals and grains have been fortified with zinc. Adult females should consume 11mcg of zinc per day when pregnant and 11mcg of this nutrient when lactating. Oysters - around 23g. Wild rice- around 5 cups. Firm tofu - around 3 cups. Lentils - around 4 cups. Pumpkin seeds - around g. Therefore, you might want to supplement with zinc to make sure you get enough of this nutrient every day. Zinc helps enzymatic reactions in your body occur properly, and it also promotes proper growth in fetuses and developing children.
Additionally, zinc has neuroprotective benefits; this nutrient reduces the symptoms of depression, and it appears to stop obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD. Enzyme production : Scientists have identified over enzymes that are dependent on zinc, and this mineral affects enzyme production in more than distinct ways.
Inflammation reduction : Zinc is an antioxidant, and it appears to specifically reduce the levels of inflammation throughout your body. Growth Problems. The most common symptom of zinc deficiency in children is delayed or stunted growth. Deficiency in this mineral can also cause delayed sexual maturation. Loss of appetite. Zinc deficiency can cause appetite loss, which can lead to sudden weight loss. Severe cases of zinc deficiency can also cause diarrhoea and other types of gastrointestinal distress.
Impaired Immune Function. Deficiency in zinc can cause frequent illness and increased susceptibility to infection. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Available in many different forms, zinc supplements are often used to treat an array of ailments. Research shows that this mineral may enhance immune function, stabilize blood sugar levels, and help keep your skin, eyes, and heart healthy.
This article reviews the types, benefits, dosage recommendations, and potential side effects of zinc supplements. These various forms of zinc impact health in distinct ways.
Available in capsule, tablet, and lozenge form, there are plenty of options to get your daily dose of zinc — regardless of the type you choose. However, keep in mind that nasal sprays containing zinc have been linked to loss of smell and should be avoided 8 , 9. There are several forms of zinc supplements that impact your health in unique ways. Zinc-containing nasal sprays should be avoided. Many over-the-counter medications and natural remedies feature zinc due to its ability to boost immune function and fight inflammation.
Zinc may also act as an antioxidant, helping reduce inflammation and protecting against chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes 11 , One study in 50 older adults found that taking 45 mg of zinc gluconate for one year decreased several markers of inflammation and reduced the frequency of infections Zinc is well known for its role in blood sugar control and insulin secretion.
Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from your bloodstream to your tissues One review reported that zinc supplements were effective at enhancing both short-term and long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes Zinc supplements are often used to promote skin health and treat common skin conditions like acne Zinc sulfate has been shown to be especially useful for decreasing symptoms of severe acne 4.
A 3-month study in people found that taking 30 mg of elemental zinc — a term that refers to the actual amount of zinc found in a supplement — was effective at treating inflammatory acne Some research shows that taking zinc may improve several risk factors for heart disease and may even lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Additionally, one study in 40 young women showed that higher intakes of zinc were linked to lower levels of systolic blood pressure the top number of a reading However, research evaluating the effects of supplements on blood pressure is limited Other research suggests that low levels of serum zinc may be associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, but findings remain inconclusive Macular degeneration is a common eye disease and one of the leading causes of vision loss around the globe Zinc supplements are often used to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration AMD and help protect against vision loss and blindness.
One study in 72 people with AMD showed that taking 50 mg of zinc sulfate daily for three months slowed the progression of the disease Similarly, another review of 10 studies reported that supplementing with zinc was effective at reducing the risk of progression to advanced macular degeneration This trial is hard to evaluate because zinc supplementation increases the life of blood cells and such an effect artificially increases the lab test results for glycosylation.
In fact, laboratory studies suggest zinc can inhibit glycation. Until this issue is resolved, those with type 1 diabetes should consult a doctor before considering high-dose supplementation with zinc. Caution : Using zinc nasal spray has been reported to cause severe or complete loss of smell function. In some of those cases, the loss of smell was long-lasting or permanent.
Zinc interferes with viral replication in test tubes. The beneficial effect of zinc nasal sprays should be weighed against the potentially serious side effect of loss of smell. Since zinc supplements are also effective and do not carry such a risk, it is more advisable to take zinc orally.
The average duration of symptoms after the beginning of treatment was 2. However, in another double-blind study, zinc nasal spray was no more effective than a placebo; in both groups the median duration of symptoms was seven days.
Moderate intake of zinc, approximately 15 mg daily, is adequate to prevent deficiencies. Higher levels up to 50 mg taken three times per day are reserved for people with certain health conditions, under the supervision of a doctor. For the alleviation of cold symptoms, lozenges providing 13—25 mg of zinc in the form zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, or zinc acetate are generally used frequently but only for several days. Good sources of zinc include oysters, meat, eggs, seafood, black-eyed peas, tofu, and wheat germ.
Zinc deficiencies are quite common in people living in poor countries. Phytate, a substance found in unleavened bread pita, matzos, and some crackers significantly reduces absorption of zinc, increasing the chance of zinc deficiency. However, phytate-induced deficiency of zinc appears to be a significant problem only for people already consuming marginally low amounts of zinc.
Even in developed countries, low-income pregnant women and pregnant teenagers are at risk for marginal zinc deficiencies. Supplementing with 25—30 mg per day improves pregnancy outcome in these groups. People with liver cirrhosis appear to be commonly deficient in zinc. People with Down's syndrome are also commonly deficient in zinc.
Children with alopecia areata patchy areas of hair loss have been reported to be deficient in zinc. The average diet frequently provides less than the Recommended Dietary Allowance for zinc, particularly in vegetarians.
To what extent if any these small deficits in zinc intake create clinical problems remains unclear. Nonetheless, a low-potency supplement 15 mg per day can fill in dietary gaps. Zinc deficiencies are more common in alcoholics and people with sickle cell anemia , malabsorption problems, and chronic kidney disease.
A number of different forms of zinc are used in supplements. Zinc oxide appears to be less bioavailable than other forms, whereas zinc sulfate is not as well tolerated as other forms; therefore, forms other than zinc oxide and zinc sulfate are preferable. There is some evidence indicating that zinc picolinate has better bioavailability than other forms, although zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc methionine, and zinc aspartate also appear to be acceptable to use.
When used in lozenges for colds, zinc acetate and zinc gluconate are the preferred forms. Zinc competes for absorption with copper , iron , 12 , 13 calcium , 14 and magnesium. N-acetyl cysteine NAC may increase urinary excretion of zinc. In a study of 34 people with hypertension , six months of captopril or enalapril ACE inhibitors related to benazepril treatment led to decreased zinc levels in certain white blood cells, raising concerns about possible ACE inhibitor—induced zinc depletion.
While zinc depletion has not been reported with benazepril, until more is known, it makes sense for people taking benazepril long term to consider, as a precaution, taking a zinc supplement or a multimineral tablet containing zinc. Such multiminerals usually contain no more than 99 mg of potassium, probably not enough to trigger the above-mentioned interaction.
Supplements containing zinc should also contain copper , to protect against a zinc-induced copper deficiency. Intake of 3 grams of aspirin per day has been shown to decrease blood levels of zinc. Aspirin appeared to increase loss of zinc in the urine in this study, and the effect was noted beginning three days after starting aspirin.
In various studies of children treated with valproic acid for epilepsy compared with control groups, serum zinc levels remained normal or decreased, serum copper levels remained normal or decreased, and red blood cell zinc levels were decreased. The importance of these changes and how frequently they occur remain unclear. Preliminary research has found significant loss of zinc in urine triggered by taking captopril.
In this trial, depletion of zinc reduced red blood cell levels of zinc. Although details remain unclear, it now appears that chronic use of captopril may lead to a zinc deficiency. It makes sense for people taking captopril long term to consider taking a zinc supplement or a multimineral tablet containing zinc as a precaution. Bile acid sequestrants may prevent absorption of folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins A , D , E , and K.
Other medications and vitamin supplements should be taken one hour before or four to six hours after bile acid sequestrants for optimal absorption.
Animal studies suggest calcium and zinc may also be depleted by taking cholestyramine. Bile acid sequestrants, including colestipol, may prevent absorption of folic acid and the fat-soluble vitamins A , D , E , K. People taking colestipol should consult with their doctor about vitamin malabsorption and supplementation. People should take other drugs and vitamin supplements one hour before or four to six hours after colestipol to improve absorption.
Animal studies suggest calcium and zinc may be depleted by taking cholestyramine, another bile acid sequestrant. Whether these same interactions would occur with colestipol is not known.
A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1 , B2 , B3 , B12 , C , and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption.
The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear. Oral corticosteroids have been found to increase urinary loss of vitamin K , vitamin C , selenium , and zinc. The importance of these losses is unknown. In a study of 34 people with hypertension, six months of captopril or enalapril treatment led to decreased zinc levels in certain white blood cells.
It makes sense for people taking enalapril long term to consider, as a precaution, taking a zinc supplement or a multimineral tablet containing zinc. Supplements containing zinc should also contain copper, to protect against a zinc-induced copper deficiency. OC use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A.
OCs may interfere with manganese absorption. In a study of 34 people with hypertension , six months of captopril or enalapril ACE inhibitors related to fosinopril treatment led to decreased zinc levels in certain white blood cells, raising concerns about possible ACE inhibitor—induced zinc depletion. While zinc depletion has not been reported with ramipril, until more is known, it makes sense for people taking fosinopril long term to consider, as a precaution, taking a zinc supplement or a multimineral tablet containing zinc.
In a study of 34 people with hypertension , six months of captopril or enalapril ACE inhibitors related to lisinopril treatment led to decreased zinc levels in certain white blood cells, raising concerns about possible ACE inhibitor—induced zinc depletion. While zinc depletion has not been reported with lisinopril, until more is known, it makes sense for people taking lisinopril long term to consider, as a precaution, taking a zinc supplement or a multimineral tablet containing zinc.
In a study of 34 people with hypertension , six months of captopril or enalapril ACE inhibitors related to perindopril treatment led to decreased zinc levels in certain white blood cells, raising concerns about possible ACE inhibitor—induced zinc depletion. While zinc depletion has not been reported with ramipril, until more is known, it makes sense for people taking perindopril long term to consider, as a precaution, taking a zinc supplement or a multimineral tablet containing zinc.
In a study of 34 people with hypertension , six months of captopril or enalapril ACE inhibitors related to quinapril treatment led to decreased zinc levels in certain white blood cells, raising concerns about possible ACE inhibitor—induced zinc depletion.
In a study of 34 people with hypertension , six months of captopril or enalapril ACE inhibitors related to ramipril treatment led to decreased zinc levels in certain white blood cells, raising concerns about possible ACE inhibitor—induced zinc depletion. While zinc depletion has not been reported with ramipril, until more is known, it makes sense for people taking ramipril long term to consider, as a precaution, taking a zinc supplement or a multimineral tablet containing zinc.
Individuals who are bedridden for long periods may become deficient in zinc, which can affect the strength of bone that is formed. In a controlled study of healthy adults who were confined to bed, fluoride supplementation prevented zinc loss from the body.
Bedridden individuals should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for guidance in using fluoride to prevent zinc deficiency.
In a study of 34 people with hypertension , six months of captopril or enalapril ACE inhibitors related to trandolapril treatment led to decreased zinc levels in certain white blood cells, raising concerns about possible ACE inhibitor—induced zinc depletion.
While zinc depletion has not been reported with ramipril, until more is known, it makes sense for people taking trandolapril long term to consider, as a precaution, taking a zinc supplement or a multimineral tablet containing zinc. Irradiation treatment, especially of head and neck cancers, frequently results in changes to normal taste sensation. Zinc supplementation may be protective against taste alterations caused or exacerbated by irradiation. A double-blind trial found that 45 mg of zinc sulfate three times daily reduced the alteration of taste sensation during radiation treatment and led to significantly greater recovery of taste sensation after treatment was concluded.
Children with alopecia areata who supplemented mg of zinc and 20 mg biotin each day, combined with topical clobetasol, showed more improvement compared to children who took oral corticosteroid drugs. Controlled research is needed to determine whether adding oral zinc and biotin to topical clobetasol therapy is more effective than clobetasol alone.
However, until more information is available, caregivers should consider that children with alopecia who are currently taking oral corticosteroids might benefit from switching to supplements of zinc and biotin along with topical clobetasol. The zinc also improved weight and CD4 cell levels.
The amount of zinc used in this study was very high and should be combined with 1—2 mg of copper to reduce the risk of immune problems from the zinc long term. Preliminary human research suggests AZT therapy may cause a reduction in copper and zinc blood levels. The practical importance of these findings remains unclear. Using a topical zinc solution with topical erythromycin increases the effectiveness of the antibiotic in the treatment of inflammatory acne.
Taking risedronate at the same time as iron , zinc , or magnesium may reduce the amount of drug absorbed. Therefore, people taking risedronate who wish to supplement with these minerals should take them an hour before or two hours after the drug.
Taking calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc at the same time as minocycline can decrease the absorption of both the drug and the mineral. Therefore, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc supplements, if used, should be taken an hour before or after the drug.
Minerals including calcium , iron , magnesium , and zinc can bind to fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, greatly reducing drug absorption. Taking mineral supplements or antacids that contain aluminum, calcium , iron , magnesium , or zinc at the same time as tetracyclines inhibits the absorption of the drug.
Therefore, individuals should take tetracyclines at least two hours before or after products containing minerals. Many minerals can decrease the absorption of tetracycline, thus reducing its effectiveness. These minerals include aluminum in antacids , calcium in antacids, dairy products, and supplements , magnesium in antacids and supplements , iron in food and supplements , zinc in food and supplements , and others. People taking penicillamine should discuss with their doctor whether it would be appropriate to take a zinc supplement at a separate time of day from the penicillamine.
However, people taking penicillamine should not supplement with zinc, unless they are being supervised by a doctor. Iron , magnesium , and zinc may bind with warfarin, potentially decreasing their absorption and activity. In a group of 37 postmenopausal women treated with conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone for 12 months, urinary zinc and magnesium loss was reduced in those women who began the study with signs of osteoporosis and elevated zinc and magnesium excretion.
The clinical significance of this interaction remains unclear. Taking methyltestosterone increased the amount of zinc in the blood and hair of boys with short stature or growth retardation.
It is not known whether this increase would occur in other people or whether zinc supplementation by people taking methyltestosterone would result in zinc toxicity. Until more is known, zinc supplementation should be combined with methyltestosterone therapy only under the supervision of a doctor. People with renal failure or on hemodialysis often have low blood levels of zinc, which may produce symptoms such as abnormal taste or smell, reduced sexual functions, and poor immunity.
One controlled study showed that taking zinc at the same time as calcium acetate reduces absorption of zinc. Therefore, people should avoid taking calcium acetate and zinc supplements together. Another controlled study revealed that neither short-term nor long-term treatment with calcium acetate results in reduced blood zinc levels.
Thus, while calcium acetate reduces the amount of zinc absorbed from supplements, long-term treatment with the drug does not appear to affect overall zinc status.
However, people with renal failure who experience symptoms of zinc deficiency might benefit from supplementing with zinc, regardless of whether or not they take calcium acetate. Zinc intake in excess of mg per day has been reported to impair immune function. One source reports that gastrointestinal upset, metallic taste in the mouth, blood in the urine, and lethargy can occur from chronic oral zinc supplementation over mg per day, 18 but those claims are unsubstantiated.
In topical form, zinc has no known side effects when used as recommended. Preliminary research had suggested that people with Alzheimer's disease should avoid zinc supplements.
Zinc inhibits copper absorption. Copper deficiency can result in anemia, lower levels of HDL "good" cholesterol , neurological disorders, and cardiac arrhythmias. Evidence suggests that no more that 2 mg of copper per day is needed to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency. Many zinc supplements include copper in the formulation to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency. Zinc-induced copper deficiency has been reported to cause reversible anemia and suppression of bone marrow.
The reported adverse effect of zinc may have been due in large part to zinc-induced copper deficiency, which could be prevented by taking copper in a form other than cupric oxide. Nevertheless, it would be prudent for elderly people wishing to take large amounts of zinc to consult with a doctor. Marginal zinc deficiency may be a contributing factor in some cases of anemia. In a study of women with normocytic anemia in other words, their red blood cells were of normal size and low total iron-binding capacity a blood test often used to assess the cause of anemia , combined iron and zinc supplementation significantly improved the anemia, whereas iron or zinc supplemented alone had only slight effects.
Adolescent pregnancy: associations among body weight, zinc nutriture, and pregnancy outcome. Am J Clin Nutr ; The effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcome. JAMA ; Zinc and vitamin A deficiency in liver cirrhosis. Hepatogastroenterology ; Zinc plasma levels after oral zinc tolerance test in nonalcoholic cirrhosis.
Dig Dis Sci ; Immunodeficiency and plasma zinc levels in children with Down's syndrome: a long-term follow-up of oral zinc supplementation. Clin Immunol Immunopathol ; Zinc and immune function in Down's syndrome. Acta Paediatr Scand ; Zinc sulfate supplementation improves thyroid function in hypozincemic Down children.
Biol Trace Elem Res ; Wollowa F, Jablonska S. Zinc in the treatment of alopecia areata. In: Kobori Y, Montagna W eds. Biology and Diseases of the Hair. Tokyo: University Park Press, , Lutz G. The value of zinc in treatment of alopecia areata.
Prasad A. Discovery of human zinc deficiency and studies in an experimental human model. Am J Clin Nutr ; [review]. Serum zinc changes due to iron supplementation in teen-age pregnancy. Inorganic zinc and the intestinal absorption of ferrous iron. Argiratos V, Samman S. The effect of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate on the absorption of zinc in healthy female subjects.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; Inhibitory effects of zinc on magnesium balance and magnesium absorption in man. J Am Coll Nutr ; Can N-acetyl-L-cysteine affect zinc metabolism when used as a paracetamol antidote? Agents Actions ; Shannon M. Alternative medicines toxicology: a review of selected agents.
J Clin Toxicol ; Anosmia after intranasal zinc gluconate use. Am J Rhinol ; Rapid induction of Alzheimer A8 amyloid formation by zinc. Science ; Zinc and platelet membrane microviscosity in Alzheimer's disease. S Afr Med J ; Broun ER. Excessive zinc ingestion. A reversible cause of sideroblastic anemia and bone marrow depression. Effect of copper intake on blood cholesterol and its lipoprotein distribution in men. Nutr Rep Int ; Sandstead HH.
Requirements and toxicity of essential trace elements, illustrated by zinc and copper. Effect of zinc supplementation on copper status in adult man. Denture cream. An unusual source of excess zinc, leading to hypocupremia and neurologic disease. Neurology ; High dose zinc increases hospital admissions due to genitourinary complications. J Urol ; Zinc status relates to hematological deficits in middle-aged women.
Iron and zinc supplementation improves indicators of vitamin A status of Mexican preschoolers. Learn more about TraceGains, the company. The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies human, animal, or in vitro , clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Information expires December PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Learn how we develop our content. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Skip to main content. Health Information Library. Uses Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of more than enzymes needed to repair wounds , maintain fertility in adults and growth in children, synthesize protein, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, boost immunity , and protect against free radicals , among other functions.
What Are Star Ratings? This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions: Used for Why 3 Stars. Several double-blind trials indicate that taking zinc reduces acne severity. Long-term use requires 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.
Supplementing with the correct amount of zinc can completely resolve hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica. Use 13 to 25 mg as gluconate, gluconate-glycine, or acetate in lozenges every two hours. Zinc lozenges used at the first sign of a cold have been shown to help stop the virus and shorten the illness. Zinc may improve immune function, reduce infection rates, and stimulate growth.
Take under a doctor's supervision. Taking zinc may correct this problem and improve sperm quality. If deficient: 15 to 30 mg daily with 1 to 2 mg copper daily, to prevent depletion.
0コメント