Zinc

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The Eclectic PhysicianVitamin and Mineral Information

Zinc

The information on this page compiled by Beth Burch N.D. Index (click on the keywords)

FunctionZinc is found in every cell in the body and is part of more than 300 enzymes needed for proper immune function, wound healing, cell reproduction, fertility, protein synthesis, protection of cells from free radical damage, proper vision, taste and smell and healthy skin. It is also needed for vitamin A utilization. Mild zinc deficiency is characterized by increased infections, slow healing of wounds, decreased sense of taste and smell, skin rashes, poor night vision, growth retardation, poor appetite and bad breath. Severe zinc deficiency causes skin problems, diarrhea, hair loss, mental disturbances and severe or recurrent infections. Since the average intake of dietary zinc in the US is below the RDA, many people have mild zinc deficiency. It is especially common in the elderly, pregnant women, people with malabsorption diseases, alcoholics, sickle cell anemia and those with chronic kidney disease. Zinc toxicity can occur with doses over 150 mg per day and causes copper deficiency, decreased HDL choles terol levels, decreased immune function, low blood pressure, pulmonary edema, jaundice and decreased urine output.

Forms

Zinc chelates including picolinate, acetate, citrate and gluconate

Food Sources

Zinc is high in oysters, shellfish, fish, eggs and meat. Zinc is also found in good amounts in whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, but is less available because it binds to plant fiber.

Dosage

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) Infants- 5 mg Children (ages 1-10)- 10 mg Adults- 12-15 mg Pregnancy- 15 mg Lactation- 19 mg

Optimal Supplementation

15-20 mg

Treatment of Health Conditions

30-60 mg

Conditions used for

Acne (1) Male infertility (2, 3, 4) Rheumatoid arthritis (5) Enhanced immune function (6) Colds- zinc gluconate lozenges (7, 8) ’s disease (9) Zinc deficiency

Side effects

Nausea and stomach pain Mouth irritation and bad taste from zinc lozenges Zinc toxicity can occur with doses over 150 mg per day and causes copper deficiency, decreased HDL cholesterol levels, decreased immune function, low blood pressure, pulmonary edema, jaundice and decreased urine output.

Contraindications

Copper deficiency, kidney dysfunction and biliary obstruction

Interactions with other nutrients

Zinc decreases copper absorption Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron decrease zinc absorption High fiber foods and dairy products decrease zinc absorption N-acetyl cysteine increases urine excretion of zinc

Interactions with medications and herbs

Zinc decreases absorption of tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones

References

1. Dreno B et al, Low doses of zinc gluconate for inflammatory acne, Acta Derm Venereol 1989;69(6):541-3 2. Omu AE et al, Treatment of asthenozoospermia with zinc sulphate: andrological, immunological and obstetric outcome, Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1998;79(2):179-84 3. Hunt CD et al, 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(1):148-57 4. Mohan H et al, Inter-relationship of zinc levels in serum and semen in oligospermic infertile patients and fertile males, Indian J Pathol Microbiol 1997;40(4):451-5 5. Naveh Y et al, Zinc metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis: plasma and urinary zinc and relationship to disease activity, J Rheumatol 1997;24(4):643-6 6. Sazawal S et al, Zinc supplementation reduces the incidence of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and preschool children: a double-blind, controlled trial, Pediatrics 1998;102(1 Pt 1):1-5 7. Mossad SB et al, Zinc gluconate lozenges for treating the common cold. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Ann Intern Med 1996;125(2):81-8 8. Godfrey JC et al, Zinc for treating the common cold: review of all clinical trials since 1984, Altern Ther Health Med 1996;2(6):63-72 9. van Caillie-Bertrand M et al, Oral zinc sulfates for ’s disease, Arch Dis Child 1985;60:656

* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate. It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.