Found in fresh oysters, herring, wheat germ,
pumpkin seeds, milk, steamed crab, lobster, chicken, pork chops, turkey, lean ground beef, liver,
eggs.
ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:
One of the most important nutrients for a
healthy immune system, zinc is a vital ingredient
in a number of enzymes essential to
the immune response. Zinc has been
shown to increase the activity of natural killer cells
and to boost the production of antibodies in
response to infections. It can also hasten wound healing and may
have some antiviral properties. Lozenges containing zinc as
the active ingredient may be useful in shorting the duration of colds. Research has suggested that zinc may be beneficial
for patients with macular degeneration. As zinc is
required for the production of the antioxidant
enzyme superoxide dismutase, which
neutralises potentially damaging free radicals, it may help to fight cancer. The mineral also aids in
the production of testosterone and boosts sperm
production.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of zinc deficiency include fingernails
with white spots or bands or an opaquely
white appearance, loss of taste, smell and appetite, delayed
sexual development in adolescence, underdeveloped penis
and less full beard and underarm hair in boys, irregular menstrual cycle in girls, infertility and impaired sexual function in adults, poor wound
healing, loss of hair, increased susceptibility to
infection, reduced salivation, skin lesions, stretch marks,
reduced absorption of nutrients, impaired development of
bones, muscles and nervous system, deformed offspring, and dwarfism.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
30-50mg (take with copper to yield a zinc to
copper ratio of 10:1). RDA is 15mg for men and 12mg for women. Coffee drinkers should take zinc
supplements at least one hour before or two hours after
drinking coffee, as it reduces the body’s ability to absorb
zinc by 50%.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
The maximum safe level for long-term use is
15mg, for short-term use, 50mg can be taken safely. Supplementation at levels greater than 80
mg/day may suppress immunity and cause other side
effects.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
High doses of zinc affect the absorption of iron
and copper. Zinc should be taken with food to avoid irritating the stomach. People with liver damage or an intestinal disorder should consult their
doctor before taking supplementary zinc. Results of several
studies conducted over the last few years have linked zinc
to Alzheimer’s disease. However, one study found that the
zinc appeared to improve mental performance in Alzheimer’s patients. Until the effect of zinc on Alzheimer’s is understood more clearly, people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and those deemed at high
risk of developing the disease may wish to avoid taking
supplementary zinc.
SOLUBILITY:
water
