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Zinc
Description: The mineral zinc is needed for more than 300 enzymes used by the body. These enzymes are responsible for such diverse functions as wound repair, fertility, protein synthesis, cellular reproduction, vision, immunity, and free radical protection.
Zinc gluconate lozenges shorten the duration of cold symptoms. Taking zinc gluconate lozenges has been reported to halve the number of days cold symptoms are present.1
Zinc inhibits copper absorption, which can cause anemia and lower HDL cholesterol levels.2 If zinc is going to be taken long-term, copper supplements should also be used.
Deficiencies are most common in low-income and teenage pregnant women. Supplementation improves pregnancy outcomes for these groups.3
Other common causes of zinc deficiency include alcoholism, sickle cell anemia, malabsorption conditions, and chronic kidney disease.4
Chromium is used in great quantity during exercise, as is zinc. Low levels of these nutrients are often seen in the blood after strenuous exercise, and these low levels are often associated with blood sugar fluctuations, decreased energy levels, and slower muscle recovery times.5
Zinc deficiency is also seen in many children with ADHD.6 No studies have been done on the effects of adding zinc supplements to the diet, however.
Zinc is found in high concentration in prostate fluid. When given to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia patients, it has been shown to shrink the prostate’s size.7
Zinc has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of cold sores.8 It is believed to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, and can be either taken orally or applied topically to existing sores.
Zinc has been shown to help decrease the severity and length of duration of colds.9 The reason this happens is not clear, but researchers suspect that the zinc inhibits the ability of the virus to bind to body cells.
Zinc deficiencies are common in Type 1 diabetics.10 Zinc supplements have been shown to lower blood sugar levels in these patients.11 However, Type 1 diabetics should not supplement with zinc without consulting their health professionals, as supplements may cause an increase in glycosylation.
Type 2 diabetics also have low zinc levels.12 They are usually able to take supplements of up to 25 mg daily without any adverse effects.
Herbs and supplements which are used for treating colds – echinacea, zinc, Vitamin C – may also be effective in preventing and treating ear infections.
Zinc is often deficient with HIV.13 Supplements often reduce the number of infections acquired by AIDS patients.14
Zinc has potential in the treatment of hypoglycemia.15
Zinc supplements appear to increase immune response.16 Taking zinc lozenges when a cold starts often shortens the duration and severity of the infection. It is unclear whether zinc also acts to prevent infection.
Zinc deficiency can cause low testosterone levels.17 Zinc supplementation can raise testosterone levels and help increase fertility.18 It also appears to increase sperm count in men who previously had low sperm count numbers.19
Zinc is needed by the retina to create enzymes needed for vision. 80 mg of zinc daily may decrease vision loss rate in patients with macular degeneration.20
Zinc, taken in dosage up to 150 mg daily, is also helpful in treating and healing peptic ulcers.21
Zinc metabolism is altered by rheumatoid arthritis, and supplementation may be helpful.22

Natural Sources: Black-Eyed Peas, Eggs, Meat, Oysters, Seafood, Tofu, Wheat Germ.

Useful in treatment of: ADHD, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, cold sores, Common Cold, diabetes, Ear Infection, HIV Support, hypoglycemia, Immune Function Improvement, Male Infertility, macular degeneration, osteoporosis, Peptic Ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis.

Recommended Dosage: 15 to 25 mg daily.

Contraindications: Intake in excess of 300 mg daily may impair immune function.23 Should not be taken by patients with Alzheimer’s Disease,24 or diabetes.

References:

1Mossad SB, Macknin ML, Medendorp SV, et al. Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. Ann Int Med 1996;125:81–8.
2Broun ER, Greist A, Tricot G, Hoffman R. Excessive zinc ingestion-a reversible cause of sideroblastic anemia and bone marrow depression. JAMA 1990;264:1441–3.
3Goldenberg RL, Tamura T, Neggers Y, et al. The effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcome. JAMA 1995;274:463–8.
4Prasad A. Discovery of human zinc deficiency and studies in an experimental human model. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:403–12 [review].
5Lukaski H, Hoverson B, Gallagher S, et al. Physical training and copper, iron, and zinc status of swimmers. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;51:1093-9.
6Bekarolu M, et al. Relationships between serum-free fatty acids and zinc, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a research note. J Child Psychology and Psychiatry 1996;37(2):225-7.
7Bush IM et al. Zinc and the prostate. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association Chicago, 1974.
8Fitzherbert J. Genital herpes and zinc. Med J Aust 1979;1:399.
9Mossad, S.B., et al. "Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study," Ann Intern Med 15;125(2): 81-88, July 1996.
10Mcchegiani E, Boemi M, Fumelli P, Fabris N. Zinc-dependent low thymic hormone level in type I diabetes. Diabetes 1989;12:932–37.
11Rao KVR, Seshiah V, Kumar TV. Effect of zinc sulfate therapy on control and lipids in type I diabetes. JAPI 1987;35:52 [abstract].
12Pidduck HG, Wren PJJ, Price Evans DA. Hyperzincuria of diabetes mellitus and possible genetic implications of this observation. Diabetes 1970;19:240–47.
13Fabris N, et al. AIDS, zinc deficiency, and thymic hormone failure. JAMA 1988;259:839–840.
14Mocchegiani E, et al. Benefit of oral zinc supplementation as an adjunct to zidovudine (AZT) therapy against opportunistic infections in AIDS. Int J Immunopharmacol 1995;17:719–727.
15Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4(1):57–71.
16Duchateau J, Delespesse G, Vereecke P. Influence of oral zinc supplementation on the lymphocyte response to mitogens of normal subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 1981;34:88–93.
17Hunt CD, Johnson PE, Herbel JoL, Mullen LK. Effects of dietary zinc depletion on seminal volume and zinc loss, serum testosterone concentrations, and sperm morphology in young men. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:148–57.
18Netter A, Hartoma R, Nahoul K. Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and sperm count. Arch Androl 1981;7:69–73.
19Marmar JL et al. Semen zinc levels in infertile and postvasectomy patients and patients with prostatitis. Fertil Steril 1975:26:1057–63.
20Newsome DA, Swartz M, Leone NC, et al. Oral zinc in macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol 1988:106:192–8.
21Frommer DJ. The healing of gastric ulcers by zinc sulphate. Med J Aust 1975;2:793.
22Simkin PA. Oral zinc sulphate in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 1976;ii:539–42.
23Chandra RK. Excessive intake of zinc impairs immune responses. JAMA 1984;252(11):1443.
24Bush AI, Pettingell WH, Multhaup G, et al. Rapid induction of Alzheimer A8 amyloid formation by zinc. Science 1994;265:1464–5.
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