Hair loss / zinc / Dr Bob Lawrence

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Hi Jan, the below is from Dr Bob Lawrence which you may find helpful. I took my zinc supplements in the morning and at lunch time. Zinc can have the effect of keeping you awake at night so it has been advised to take it no later than the afternoon (at least in my personal case).Zinc is an essential trace element. It is one of the most important of the trace elements needed by the body. Of the many hundreds of protein enzymes present in the body, which allow its chemistry to work, zinc is required by over two hundred of them. It can thus be seen how a deficiency of zinc can affect so many different functions (see below). Zinc is also important in the production of prostaglandins (PGs). PGs are vital to numerous body functions including, for example: the function of the immune system; the expression and control of inflammation; skin and wound healing; function of the heart and cardiovascular system; absorption of various minerals; body temperature control and the important functions of fertility, conception, and delivery of the infant. The way in which zinc influences PG production is by potentiating (or supporting the function of) the enzymes which permit the conversion of the polyunsaturated fatty acids into PGs. Zinc thus has a very direct action in stimulating the normal production of PGs thereby maintaining or restoring normal health and fitness.Zinc is of vital importance in MS and other auto-immune diseases, partly because of its effect in promoting the production of PGs but, more importantly perhaps, because, by acting in its capacity as an antioxidant co-factor in the enzyme, superoxide dismutase, it helps maintain the integrity of the essential fatty acids that contribute to the regeneration of the myelin.Zinc deficiency can result in many symptoms, including: loss of appetite, growth retardation, diarrhoea, tremor, hair loss, dandruff, a dry skin rash, white lines on fingernails, increased allergic sensitivity, disturbance of menstrual periods, pre-menstrual syndrome, delay of wound healing, loss of taste or smell sensation, dyslexia, poor night vision, photophobia (sensitivity to light), depression, sleep disturbance, hyperactivity, reduced fertility, loss of sex drive, pre-eclampsia (toxaemia) of pregnancy and post-natal depression. It has been observed that those suffering with any of the auto-immune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, etc); atopic problems (allergy, eczema, asthma or migraine); or many of the inflammatory diseases (such as osteo-arthritis, ME or irritable bowel syndrome), have a consistent, and often severe, zinc deficiency, which is greatly benefited by a programme of zinc replacement therapy.Zinc supplements in MS will increase both energy and vitality, increase muscle strength, improve sleep and prevent fatigue. Perhaps in company with vanadium, another common mineral deficiency in MS, which contributes to the occurrence of depression, it will also prevent this distressing symptom.In addition, it should be noted that when starting any programme of zinc supplementation, the starting dose should always be a minimum dose of 15-25 mg. This is then increased slowly in the following manner stopping at the required level as demanded by the results of the taste test.Thus in the first week: take one 15 mg (or 25 mg) dose per day.Second week: two 15 mg (or 25 mg) capsules or tablets per day.Third week: one 50 mg dose per day.Fourth week: two 50 mg doses per day.Fifth and subsequent weeks: three 50 mg doses per day.The reason for this protracted introduction is that zinc treatment, in the presence of zinc deficiency, may initially induce a feeling of fatigue or depression: a slow introduction reduces this possibility. Various zinc preparations may be used, including possibly chelated zinc, zinc citrate, zinc picolinate, or zinc gluconate. Zinc sulphate is the most common (and cheapest) presentation but should be avoided due to the frequent occurrence of gastric irritation and dyspepsia. To avoid such a possibility, as a precaution, any zinc preparation should be taken after food. The most efficiently absorbed is the chelated form. This is where the zinc is combined with an amino acid, which assists in its absorption.High doses of zinc (50 mg/day or more) should also be accompanied by a small dose of copper. This is because a large amount of zinc in the diet will compete with, and reduce the absorption of, copper. It therefore becomes necessary to take a regular supplement of copper to prevent a state of copper deficiency developing. The appropriate dose of copper is 2 - 4 mg per day. This single dose is usually all that is required whatever the dose of zinc used.High doses of zinc will also tend to reduce the absorption of iron. This is not usually a problem but, in strict vegetarians, when the intake of iron is low, there may be a need to take a small, regular dose of iron to prevent the occurrence of iron-deficiency anaemia. Am copying this to the group as it may interest others. Jayne Crocker www.LDNNow.comImportant! Please sign our LDN petition to the European Parliament by clicking heretel: +44 (0) 7877 492 669Dr Steele MBE, talking about LDNLDNNow are a political/pressure group of individuals dedicated to getting Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) accepted into modern medicine and trialled for the myriad of uses it shows benefit for. .