Zinc Atomic Structure
An essential mineral for human health, Zinc benefits the immune system, but its virtues do not end there. It is also required for proper metabolic function, nervous system health, detoxification, healthy skin and normal sexual functioning. The production of endogenous antioxidants and enzymes are also dependent on this mineral.
Right up there with Magnesium, Zinc is involved with over 300 enzyme reactions in the body and is critical for immune function. From The National Institute of Health: “The significance of the essential trace element zinc for immune function has been known for several decades. Zinc deficiency affects immune cells, resulting in altered host defense, increased risk of inflammation, and even death. The micronutrient zinc is important for maintenance and development of immune cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system. A disrupted zinc homeostasis affects these cells, leading to impaired formation, activation, and maturation of lymphocytes, disturbed intercellular communication via cytokines, and weakened innate host defense via phagocytosis and oxidative burst.”
The Health Benefits of Zinc:
AGING PROCESS
• Intracellular deficiency has been speculated to be a primary cause of the Aging Process.
• Helps to prevent the Cross-Linking of endogenous proteins which is a significant contributor to Aging.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• May prevent Atherosclerosis.
• Tends to concentrate in the heart.
• Deficiency may increase the risk for Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
• Can reduce the severity of Sickle Cell Anemia.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• Most Celiac Disease patients have been found to be deficient.
• 25-50mg daily may help restore the integrity of the Intestines in Crohn’s Disease patients.
• Chronic Diarrhea is a symptom of severe deficiency.
• Useful in the treatment of Gastroenteritis.
• Heartburn may be alleviated by supplementation.
• Due to its role in the production of Hydrochloric Acid, it is useful in the treatment of Hypochlorhydria (low Stomach Acid).
• Helps reduce Intestinal Permeability and is useful in the treatment of Leaky Gut Syndrome.
• Enhances the function of the Pancreas.
• Supplementation may help to treat Pancreatitis.
• Accelerates the healing of Gastric Ulcers.
HEARING & VISION
• Concentrates in the Cochlea and Vestibule of the Ear where some of the highest concentrations of this mineral in the human body can be found.
• May prevent Otitis Media.
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Deafness) may be alleviated by Zinc Sulfate.
• May help to prevent Age-Related Hearing Loss.
• Tinnitus may be alleviated by supplementation.
• Inhibits the degeneration of the Macula which is integral to preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD).
• Cataracts may be prevented by Zinc Aspartate supplementation.
• Night Blindness can result as a result of deficiency.
• Required by the Optic Nerve for normal functioning.
• Optic Neuritis is a consequence of deficiency.
• Concentrates in the Retina of the Eyes and may be useful in the treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa.
EXCRETORY SYSTEM
• Body Odor can result from deficiency.
• Can prevent Diabetic Nephropathy.
• May be useful in treating Foot Odor.
• As a constituent of Mouthwash or Toothpaste, helps treat Halitosis (bad Breath).
• Bed Wetting in children may be helped by supplementation.
• Helps treat Male Urinary Incontinence.
HAIR
• May help to prevent Gray Hair.
• Concentrates in the Hair Follicles and poor Hair Growth may result from Zinc deficiency.
• Due to its ability to inhibit 5-Alpha Reductase, it may inhibit Hair Loss.
• Can alleviate Alopecia Areata.
• In a lotion applied directly to the Scalp it may prevent Male Pattern Baldness by inhibiting the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• Required for optimal functioning of the Immune System and all Lymphocytes require Zinc for their production.
• Tends to concentrate in the Spleen and Thymus Gland and may protect the Thymus from shrinking and may restore the size of a shrunken Thymus Gland.
• The production and function of NK Lymphocytes, T-Lymphocytes, Suppressor T-Cells and Neutrophils are enhanced by this mineral.
• Low production and function of TH1 Helper T-Cells results from deficiency.
• Deficiency causes an overproduction and over-activation of TH2 Helper T-Cells leading to such conditions as Allergic Rhinitis, Atopic Dermatitis and Asthma.
• Atrophy of the Lymph Nodes results from deficiency.
• Helps inhibit the release of Histamine from Mast Cells.
• Zinc has been shown to be helpful in treating the following types of Cancer:
▪ Burkitt’s Lymphoma
▪ Cervical
▪ Colon
▪ Esophageal
▪ Laryngeal
▪ Leiomyoma
▪ Leukemia
▪ Lung
▪ Lymphomas
▪ Oral
▪ Pancreatic
▪ Pharyngeal
▪ Prostate
▪ Thyroid
• Has been shown useful in the treatment of persons with HIV in that it delays the onset of full-blown AIDS, reduces opportunistic infections and inhibits the replication of HIV.
• Can prevent the Common Cold.
• Lozenges or nasal gel accelerates recovery from the Common Cold.
• The Acetate form may be best for fighting the Common Cold.
• Glandular Fever caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus may be prevented by lozenges.
• Zinc may help to prevent and treat the following types of infections:
▪ Candida albicans
▪ Cytomegalovirus
▪ Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
▪ Entamoeba histolytica
▪ Epstein-Barr Virus
▪ Escherichia coli
▪ Hepatitis C
▪ Herpes Simplex Type 1 & 2
▪ Influenza
▪ Intestinal Parasites
▪ Malaria
▪ Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
▪ Rhinovirus
▪ Roundworm
▪ Shigella
▪ Streptococcus pneumoniae
▪ Plasmodium falciparum
▪ Pneumocystis carinii
▪ Trypanosoma cruzi
• Mat reduce Inflammation.
• Facilitates the recovery from Surgery and reduces post-surgical complications.
METABOLISM
• Possesses Antioxidant properties.
• Involved in the structure and function of Cell Membranes.
• Chromosome damage may result from deficiency.
• Retarded Growth can result from deficiency.
• By stimulating the production of Thyroid Hormone, it may increase Basal Metabolism.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients have been found to be deficient.
• May help to reverse Cirrhosis.
• The excessive Cross-Linking of the body’s endogenous proteins is inhibited by supplementation.
• Can improve Exercise Performance.
• Endurance Exercise depletes the body and persons who participate in this type of exercise should consider supplementation.
• Diabetes Mellitus patients have been found to be deficient in and supplementation improves Insulin function in these subjects.
• Both Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2 patients can improve Insulin function by supplementing with 15-25mg Zinc daily.
• May be useful in the treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy.
• Helps prevent Alcohol-induced Fatty Liver.
• May help to prevent damage to the Liver from Alcohol.
• High Density Lipoproteins (HDL Cholesterol) may be increased with supplementation.
• Insulin Resistance can result from deficiency.
• Lethargy can result from deficiency and supplementation can improve Stamina.
• Concentrates in the Pancreas and is required for proper functioning.
• Required by the Beta Cells in the Pancreas to produce Insulin.
• Hypothyroid patients have been found to be deficient and supplementation along with optimal amounts of Iodine and the Amino Acid Tyrosine can restore proper Thyroid Function.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• In children, even a minor deficiency can impede Bone Growth.
• Stimulates the growth of and inhibits the reabsorption of Bone.
• Fibromyalgia patients have been shown to be deficient.
• The healing of Fractures may be accelerated by supplementation.
• Can alleviate Muscle Cramps.
• Muscle Strength may be improved by supplementation.
• Decreases Osteoblast activity.
• Osteoporosis patients are often deficient.
• May alleviate the symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms can be reduced by supplementation.
• Oral supplementation may help to improve the symptoms of Scleroderma.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• May reduce Aggressiveness.
• Convulsions caused by Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome may be prevented/alleviated with supplementation.
• If deficient, Alzheimer’s Disease patients can improve mental functioning by supplementing with 15mg daily.
• An important component of Ion Channels.
• Amnesia can occur from deficiency.
• Some Anorexia Nervosa cases occur as a result of deficiency and supplementation can restore Appetite and Weight in such patients.
• Anosmia (loss of the sense of Smell) can be caused by low levels.
• Symptoms of Anxiety may be improved by supplementation.
• Apathy can be caused by deficiency.
• Poor Appetite may be improved by supplementation.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients have been shown to have up to 50% lower serum levels.
• Involved in Abstract Reasoning, Attention Span, Learning and the formation of Memories.
• Up to 90% of Autism patients are deficient.
• Bulimia can result from low levels.
• May help to alleviate Depression and Major Depressive Disorder.
• A component in some treatments for Down’s Syndrome.
• May help to prevent Dyslexia. Mothers who were deficient during pregnancy have an increased risk of having children with Dyslexia. Optimal intake during infancy may help prevent Dyslexia.
• Can accelerate the recovery from some Head Injuries.
• Useful in the treatment of Huntington’s Disease.
• Irritability can result form a deficiency.
• Can help treat Diabetic Neuropathy.
• A deficiency can cause Optic Neuritis.
• Panic Disorder may be related to low levels.
• Paranoia may result from deficiency.
• Deficiency increases the risk for Parkinson’s Disease.
• Schizophrenia patients often excrete abnormally large amounts of this mineral in their Urine.
• Low levels impair the body’s ability to cope with Stress.
• Helps improve cognitive recovery in Stroke patients.
• An impaired sense of Taste and Thirst may result from deficiency.
ORAL HEALTH
• May alleviate Burning Mouth Syndrome.
• Toothpaste containing the Citrate form helps to inhibit the formation of Calculus.
• Decreases the permeability of Gingival Tissue to Antigens and may prevent Gingivitis.
• Useful in the treatment of Periodontal Disease.
• Mouthwash that contains Zinc helps to reduce Plaque.
• May prevent Tooth Decay.
• Oral supplementation and in Mouthwash helps improve Ulcers of the Mouth.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• May prevent Asthma and optimal intake during Pregnancy may help to prevent this condition in offspring.
• Helps to strengthen the Mucus Membranes of the Bronchial Tubes.
• May improve Lung Function and quality of life in Cystic Fibrosis patients.
• Emphysema may be prevented by supplementation.
• Reduces the incidence of acute Lower and Upper Respiratory Infections.
• May prevent The Common Cold.
• May prevent Influenza.
• Lozenges help treat Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis.
• Pleurisy may be alleviated by supplementation.
• Can help treat Pneumonia.
• May accelerate the recovery from Tuberculosis.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• May help to prevent Cervical Dysplasia.
• Some cases of Female Infertility are a result of a deficiency.
• Miscarriage may result from inadequate levels.
• Optimal levels during and prior to Pregnancy reduces the risk of Birth Defects, Retarded Growth, Low Birth Weight and early Neonatal Death.
• Morning Sickness may be related to low levels.
• Deficiency increases the risk for Preeclampsia.
• Can alleviate Premenstrual Syndrome.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• By inhibiting 5-Alpha Reductase, it helps to treat/prevent Enlarged Prostate.
• Deficiency can be a cause of Male Impotence.
• Male Infertility is often caused by low levels.
• Concentrates in the Prostate Gland and is useful in the treatment of Prostatitis.
• Semen is high in Zinc and each male ejaculation contains approximately 15mg.
• Low levels can cause decreased Sexual Desire.
• May improve Sexual Performance in men.
• Atrophy of the Testicles results from deficiency.
• If deficient, decreases Testosterone.
• May hasten the recovery from Testicular Injury.
SKIN & NAILS
• Acne patients, especially adolescents, often have low levels. Oral supplementation as well as topical application often improves Acne. Improvements are generally not seen until after 12 weeks of therapy.
• Useful in the treatment of Actinic Keratosis.
• Recurring Boils are often due a deficiency.
• Taken orally or applied directly to the Scalp via shampoo may alleviate Dandruff.
• Dermatitis may be improved by supplementation.
• Dry Skin may result from low levels.
• Red, greasy, flaky skin on the side of the Nose may be caused by a deficiency.
• Psoriasis may respond to oral supplementation and topical application.
• Can improve Rosacea.
• Applied topically accelerates the healing of Burns, Wounds, Scars and Ulcers.
• Supplementation helps reduce Body Odor.
• Oral administration may treat Warts.
• Rough or cracked Skin may be the result of a deficiency.
• Applied topically it helps protect the Skin from Ultraviolet Radiation.
• White specks on the Nails or Nails that crack easily can be caused by levels.
Zinc Content of Foods
USAGE
The minimum RDA for Zinc is 15mg daily. Many people do not meet the RDA through diet and thus need to supplement to receive Zinc’s benefits. Additionally, diet, lifestyle, exercise habits, medical conditions and certain medications can increase our excretion leading to a deficient state. Except in certain instances the usual dosage for most medical conditions ranges from 25-50mg daily. Higher amounts can be used but not for extended periods. Long-term over-supplementation can possibly lead to impaired Cholesterol Metabolism, increased risk of certain Cancers and accelerated accumulation of Beta-Amyloid Protein in the Brain. This is rare and one would have to supplement with over 100mg daily for some time to be of concern. Most supplements are best taken with food. If you take other mineral supplements you should take Zinc at another time as many minerals compete for absorption. Zinc competes with Copper so if you take more than 50mg daily you should add 2mg of Copper (taken separately) to prevent a Copper deficiency.
Zinc Deficiency & Excess
My Personal Recommendations:
Zinc Acetate Molecular Structure
Zinc Acetate is highly usable by the body and is the preferred form for use in lozenges to bathe the mouth and throat with Zinc. It is provided in a strength that allows for multiple daily doses.
Zinc Acetate Lozenge – 18.75mg
Zinc Ascorbate Molecular Structure
Zinc Ascorbate is highly absorbable form of Zinc providing excellent immune system support. Zinc Ascorbate is not available as a stand alone supplement. Thus far I have only been able to find this supplement as part of an effervescent drink supplying 1,000mg of Vitamin C and 10mg of Zinc. I chose this particular version as it has the added benefit of Arabinogalactan and Beta-Glucan, two very effective immune system enhancers. For general immune support 1-3 packets per day will do the job. When fighting a cold or the flu you may take up to 5 packets per day.
Zinc Ascorbate – 10mg – Effervescent Blueberry Acai
Zinc Ascorbate – 10mg – Effervescent Citrus
Zinc Ascorbate – 10mg – Effervescent Orange
Zinc Ascorbate – 10mg – Effervescent Raspberry
Zinc Gluconate Molecular Structure
Zinc Gluconate is probably the most common form of Zinc sold in health food stores. For many it is sufficiently absorbable to adequately raise Zinc levels.
Zinc Picolinate Molecular Structure
Zinc Picolinate is probably the most absorbable form of Zinc. The dosage of this particular product is in a strength that is compatible with most all multivitamins.
If you are taking Zinc for immunity and want to enhance its effects try adding Vitamin D and Vitamin C.
Receive my personal support with each verifiable purchase made through this site.
Get answers to your questions either by
email or telephone.
Take advantage of my 35 plus years of experience as a researcher and healer.
Just use the CONTACT form to initiate the process.