Although zinc has been known to be an essential mineral for more than 50 years, for much of that time it was considered a relatively unimportant nutrient. However, the past few years have seen interest in zinc increase dramatically—not only in nutrition and health circles, but among consumers as well.
Why the sudden interest? Numerous new studies about zinc’s many functions show it to be of crucial importance to human health. Zinc is a component of more than 200 enzymes, which are necessary for many bodily processes. Zinc is also essential for growth, immune system function, taste and smell sensation, reproductive health, wound healing, and more. Even moderate degrees of zinc deficiency can compromise the immune system. T-cell lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight infection, don’t function well when zinc stores are low. Therefore, people who are zinc-deficient have a more difficult time resisting infections. Research has shown that when zinc supplements are given to individuals with low zinc levels, the numbers of T-cell lymphocytes circulating in the blood increase, and the ability of these cells to fight infection improves. Limited data also suggest that the incidence of certain respiratory infections and malaria may also be reduced by zinc supplements. Zinc and the Common Cold There is much debate about whether zinc lozenges help make colds more bearable. A study of more than 100 employees of the Cleveland Clinic suggested that sucking on zinc lozenges decreased the duration of colds by one-half—or about three days—and lessened the severity of colds as well. This study has been criticized by some researchers, since zinc lozenges are known for their unappealing taste—a factor that could make it obvious to study participants whether they were taking the zinc or the placebo lozenges, thereby skewing the study results. Other studies have found no effect from zinc lozenges.
It’s important to note that the lozenges used in these studies contained zinc gluconate. Other forms of zinc, such as zinc acetate, zinc aspartate, and zinc citrate, which are found in some “cold season” products, have no published studies to back up their claims for alleviating cold symptoms.
Taking zinc supplements (tablets, capsules, etc.) won’t work for colds because the form used to make the lozenges, zinc gluconate, is generally not available in capsule form. This is the best form for treating colds.
If you decide to take zinc gluconate lozenges for a cold, begin taking them every few hours ss soon as yijur symptoms show up. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage, and don’t take the lozenges for more than a week
Zinc and Diarrhea
Inadequate zinc intakes are prevalent in developing countries. Studies of zinc-deficient children in India, Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia have found that zinc supplements help decrease the incidence of diarrhea, as well as lessen the severity and duration of the condition. A study during which zinc supplements were provided for two weeks resulted in preventive effects against diarrhea for three months afterward. Diarrhea is of particular concern since it both causes zinc losses and results from severe zinc deficiency, creating a dangerous cycle.
Zinc and Wound Healing
Zinc supplements have been shown to increase rates of wound healing, including bums. Skin irritations and bedsores are helped by zinc supplements (not lozenges), but only if the person is zinc-deficient in the first place. In other words, when zinc levels are normal, taking zinc supplements to help a wound heal doesn’t work.
When to Supplement with Zinc
Extra zinc is needed during periods of rapid growth, pregnancy, and lactation. However, according to two national surveys, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1991) and the USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals 1994-96, pregnant and breastfeeding women (as well as people aged 51 and older) don’t get the recommended amounts of zinc. Additional surveys also revealed that young children, aged one to six years, adolescents, and low-income adults also consume less than the recommended amounts. However, consult your pediatrician before giving children zinc supplements.
Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/982.html
Why the sudden interest? Numerous new studies about zinc’s many functions show it to be of crucial importance to human health. Zinc is a component of more than 200 enzymes, which are necessary for many bodily processes. Zinc is also essential for growth, immune system function, taste and smell sensation, reproductive health, wound healing, and more. Even moderate degrees of zinc deficiency can compromise the immune system. T-cell lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help fight infection, don’t function well when zinc stores are low. Therefore, people who are zinc-deficient have a more difficult time resisting infections. Research has shown that when zinc supplements are given to individuals with low zinc levels, the numbers of T-cell lymphocytes circulating in the blood increase, and the ability of these cells to fight infection improves. Limited data also suggest that the incidence of certain respiratory infections and malaria may also be reduced by zinc supplements. Zinc and the Common Cold There is much debate about whether zinc lozenges help make colds more bearable. A study of more than 100 employees of the Cleveland Clinic suggested that sucking on zinc lozenges decreased the duration of colds by one-half—or about three days—and lessened the severity of colds as well. This study has been criticized by some researchers, since zinc lozenges are known for their unappealing taste—a factor that could make it obvious to study participants whether they were taking the zinc or the placebo lozenges, thereby skewing the study results. Other studies have found no effect from zinc lozenges.
It’s important to note that the lozenges used in these studies contained zinc gluconate. Other forms of zinc, such as zinc acetate, zinc aspartate, and zinc citrate, which are found in some “cold season” products, have no published studies to back up their claims for alleviating cold symptoms.
Taking zinc supplements (tablets, capsules, etc.) won’t work for colds because the form used to make the lozenges, zinc gluconate, is generally not available in capsule form. This is the best form for treating colds.
If you decide to take zinc gluconate lozenges for a cold, begin taking them every few hours ss soon as yijur symptoms show up. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage, and don’t take the lozenges for more than a week
Zinc and Diarrhea
Inadequate zinc intakes are prevalent in developing countries. Studies of zinc-deficient children in India, Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia have found that zinc supplements help decrease the incidence of diarrhea, as well as lessen the severity and duration of the condition. A study during which zinc supplements were provided for two weeks resulted in preventive effects against diarrhea for three months afterward. Diarrhea is of particular concern since it both causes zinc losses and results from severe zinc deficiency, creating a dangerous cycle.
Zinc and Wound Healing
Zinc supplements have been shown to increase rates of wound healing, including bums. Skin irritations and bedsores are helped by zinc supplements (not lozenges), but only if the person is zinc-deficient in the first place. In other words, when zinc levels are normal, taking zinc supplements to help a wound heal doesn’t work.
When to Supplement with Zinc
Extra zinc is needed during periods of rapid growth, pregnancy, and lactation. However, according to two national surveys, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1991) and the USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals 1994-96, pregnant and breastfeeding women (as well as people aged 51 and older) don’t get the recommended amounts of zinc. Additional surveys also revealed that young children, aged one to six years, adolescents, and low-income adults also consume less than the recommended amounts. However, consult your pediatrician before giving children zinc supplements.
Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/982.html
- Preventing complications related to sickle cell anemia in people who have low zinc levels.
- Preventing muscle cramps in people who have low zinc levels.
- Treating leg wounds in people with low zinc levels.
- As a mouthwash or toothpaste for preventing tartar and gingivitis.
- Improving healing of burns.
- Increasing vitamin A levels in underfed children or in children with low zinc levels.
- Preventing and treating pneumonia in undernourished children in developing countries.
