Advantages of taking minerals and natural health supplements in diet

Zinc is necessary to every cell of the body. Among other things, this abundant trace mineral is responsible for over 100 enzymatic activities, including every major physiological function reliant upon enzyme reactions. For instance, Zinc is necessary for carbon dioxide (Co₂) exchange between cells. When zinc levels are depleted, Co₂ exchange is slowed, possibly leading to a toxic buildup within the body. Although, next to iron, zinc is the most available trace mineral in the body, the body itself cannot produce this nutrient. The only way to obtain zinc, which is primarily stored in the muscles, is through diet. Zinc is also found in high concentrations in both red and white blood cells, bones, kidneys, liver, pancreas, skin and in the retina of the eye. In males, zinc can also be found in the prostate gland.

Zinc plays a key role in protein synthesis and DNA/RNA metabolism, and as such, is essential for cell growth and in the production of connective tissue. This trace mineral is also very important to the immune system, acting as an antioxidant protecting the cells from free radical damage caused by DNA oxidation and environmental pollutants. Research also suggests that zinc supports the thymus gland, enhancing its ability to produce white blood cells called T-lymphocytes that fight infection and disease. Zinc has also been said to help with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, all of which are linked to suppressed immune function.

Even relatively small imbalances in zinc levels adversely affect immune system function. International studies indicate that when malnourished children from countries such as South America, South Asia, India and Africa are given zinc supplements ranging from 4 to 40 mg per day, the duration of incidences of infection diarrhea is shortened.¹ Further studies show that when zinc is given to individuals with low zinc levels, the number of T-cell lymphocytes increased along with their ability to fight infection.²

Zinc is also showing some promise in other immune associated diseases such as HIV and AIDS. In depth research shows that even before contracting HIV or AIDS patients had low zinc levels. Researchers believe that in the case of AIDS, low zinc levels could be a result of medications, and continual vomiting or diarrhea, all of which can deplete zinc stores in the body. Low zinc levels then lead to further immune depression and infections. One study showed zinc supplementation improved white blood cell counts and weight in patients with AIDS. It was further shown that in patients with HIV, elevated zinc levels, along with AZT, the most common drug therapy for HIV, led to less risk of secondary infections.³

In the last few years, zinc lozenges have become quite popular for treating sore throats and colds. One study of over 100 employees of the Cleveland Clinic showed that the immune boosting properties of zinc gluconate in the lozenges given to treat the common cold, cut the duration of the illness in half, although they also reported however, that the lozenges had no beneficial effects on fever or muscle aches and pains.⁴ Researchers report as well, that it is very important to begin treatment with the zinc lozenges as soon as possible after the first signs of a cold, ideally between 24 to 48 hours.

Zinc is often prescribed in high does to individuals suffering from diabetes. Many diabetics, apart from have very low zinc levels, also suffer from secondary infections such as open wounds that will not heal. Some research has shown that high doses of zinc can replicate the actions of insulin, while encouraging wounds to heal.⁵

Zinc’s beneficial effects on wound healing extend to such skin conditions as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, burns and even hemorrhoids. Some studies report that when used in conjunction with a topical antibiotic such as erythromycin or clinamycin for acne, zinc can help to reduce inflammation of the affected skin and improve hormone levels often associated with acne. It was shown that 30 mg of zinc each day, can result in a clearer complexion after just 60 days.⁶

Some research has looked to zinc in cases of Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Children suffering from this condition have consistently shown lowered blood levels of zinc. It was also reported that children who have even slight depletions in zinc levels are less likely to improve when treated with prescription drugs than those with normal levels of zinc.⁷

Zinc is a constituent of insulin and many vital enzymes, including the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). It also helps to fight and prevent the formation of free radicals in other ways. A form of zinc called zinc monomethionine (zinc bound with the amino acid methionine) sold under the trademark OptiZinc has been found to have antioxidant activity comparable to that of vitamin C , vitamin E and beta-carotene the pro vitamin A.

Sufficient intake and absorption of zinc are needed to maintain the proper concentration of vitamin E in the blood. In addition, zinc increases the absorption of vitamin A. For optimum health, a proper 1 to 10 balance between copper and zinc levels should be maintained.

A deficiency of zinc may result in the loss of the senses of taste and smell. It can also cause fingernails to become thin, peel, and develop white spots. Other possible signs of zinc deficiency include acne, delayed sexual maturation, fatigue, growth impairment, hair loss, high cholesterol levels, impaired night vision, impotence, increased susceptibility to infection, infertility, memory impairment, a propensity to diabetes, prostate trouble, recurrent colds, and flu, skin lesions, and slow wound healing.

Most diseases and illnesses result because of poor diet and inefficient immunity often caused by deficiencies in a variety of minerals, or vitamins. Such is the case with tuberculosis (TB). It was found that individuals who are lacking in proper diet and the essential nutrients associated with balanced food intake, such as the elderly, the homeless, alcoholics, children and HIV-infected people, are more susceptible to TB than those receiving proper nutrition. Recent studies in Indonesia suggest that zinc and Vitamin A could boost the effects of TB medications after only two months of supplementation.⁸

Research is currently investigating the effects of zinc on prostate. Zinc is one of the key nutrients associated with the prostate gland. To date, in cases of benign prostate hyperplasia, BPH, a condition in which the prostate gland slowly enlarges, zinc was seen to not only decrease the size of the prostate gland, but to also relieve some of the symptoms.

Zinc is especially good for hair growth. Some research indicates it may even slow hair loss and improve fine, brittle hair, especially when associated with an underactive thyroid, Zinc, combined with copper may also be very effective for graying hair since these are two essential ingredients in melanin, the natural hair pigment responsible for color.

Zinc is also effective in countless other conditions including, digestive problems, infertility in men, osteoporosis, age-related macular degeneration, pink eye, and tinnitus just to name a few.

Zinc is readily available in a variety of food sources. Breast milk is best source of zinc for infants. In fact it is such a good source, that it is often used to treat cases of malabsorption and impaired synthesis. Oysters probably contain the most concentrated source of zinc, but other shellfish like shrimp and crab are also very high in zinc. Animal sources including liver, most red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products and fish such as herring are more easily absorbed than plant sources.

Ideally, the body is able to absorb up to 40 percent of the zinc contained in plant sources. Studies suggest however, that zinc absorption can vary as much as 20 to 80 percent, depending on health issues. The body will also try to compensate in times of deficiency thereby increasing the amount absorbed form outside sources.

Some plant sources, mostly cereal grains, legumes, and nuts contain a phosphorus compound called Phytate, which decreases zinc absorption. Despite this, foods such as lima beans, soybeans, pinto beans and black-eyed peas, whole grains, brewer’s yeast miso, tofu, mushrooms, tahini, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin and green beans, are still excellent sources of the mineral, but just not as well absorbed as many animal sources. Research suggests that the type of diet consumed also dictates the amount of zinc that will be absorbed, regardless of the amount contained within the food. High protein diets for instance, increase zinc absorption. Lemon juice will also impede zinc assimilation. This may be true since lemon juice reacts with the digestive enzymes, which without outside interference will significantly enhance zinc absorption.

Herbs that contain zinc include alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, milk thistle , mullein, nettle , parsley, rosehips, sage, sarsaparilla, skullcap, and wild yam .

Like many minerals zinc appears in many different forms. The most popular form of the mineral is zinc sulfate, which is also the least expensive and also the least easily absorbed, often resulting in stomach upset. Other forms such as zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, acetate, glycerate, and zinc monomethionine are far better assimilated.

The daily recommendations for zinc vary. An adequate amount to prevent deficiencies is 15 to 25 mg. Lozenges for colds and sore throats usually contain between 15 to 25 mg in the form of zinc gluconate and can be used safely throughout the day, Common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and a distinct metallic taste in your mouth (also present in lozenges). Zinc could have interactions with such medications as ACE inhibitors used for blood pressure, antibiotics, and hormone replacement therapy medications containing estrogen and progesterone and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other medications have also been reported so it is always best to speak with a health professional if you are taking prescription drugs before using zinc.

Reference:

1. Black RE “Therapeutic and preventive effects of zinc on serious childhood infectious diseases in developing countries”, Am J Clin Nutr, 1998;68:476S-479S.
2. Beck FW, Prasad AS, Kaplan J, Fitzgerald JT, Brewer GJ “Changes in cytokine production and T cell subpopulations in experimentally induced zinc-deficient humans”, Am J Physiol, 1997;272:E1002-1007.
3. Patrick L, “Nutrients and HIV: part 2—vitamins A and E, zinc, B-vitamins, and magnesium”, Alt Med Rev, 2000;5(1):39-51.
4. Garland ML, Hagmeyer KO, “The role of zinc lozenges in treatment of the common cold”, Ann Pharmacother, 1998;32:63-69.
5. Walter RM Jr, Uriu-Hare JY, Olin KL, et al “Copper, zinc, manganese, and magnesium status and complications of diabetes mellitus”, Diabetes Care, 1991;14(11):1050-1056.
6. Dreno B, Amblard P, Agache P, Sirot S, Litoux P, “Low doses of zinc gluconate for inflammatory acne”, Acta Derm Venereol,1989;69:541-543.
7. Toren P, Eldar S, Sela BA, et al, “Zinc deficiency in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder”, Biol Psychiatry,1996; 40:1308-1310.
8. Karyadi E, West CE, Schultnick W, et al, “A double blind, placebo-controlled study of vitamin A and zinc supplementation in persons with tuberculosis in Indonesia: effects on clinical response and nutritional status”, Am J Clin Nutr, 2002;75:720-727.