What Is Zinc Vitamin Used For

What Is Zinc And Why Do I Need It

which means your body needs only a small amount of it to work properly. Still, its important because of the role it plays in keeping you healthy. Zinc is crucial during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood because it supports proper growth and development during each of these life stages, says Angie Kuhn, RDN, the Seattle-based director of research and nutrition for Persona. Some studies suggest zinc may help slow the progression of macular degeneration when combined with other vitamins and antioxidants, though more research is needed.

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How Does Zinc Oxide Ointment Work

Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that is used in many products to protect skin from the suns harmful rays. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. ZnO is an excellent sunscreen and is often used as a base for other products. ZNO has a very high concentration of zinc oxide, which is why it is so effective at protecting skin. The zinc in Z-Oxygen is absorbed into the skin and acts as an antioxidant. This means that it helps to prevent the formation of free radicals, or harmful free radical molecules. Free radicals are the building blocks of cancer cells. They are responsible for the damage that occurs when the bodys cells are exposed to the harmful effects of the environment. When free-radical damage occurs, the cells become damaged and die. In addition, free oxygen, a byproduct of cellular respiration, is released into your skin, causing it to become dry and irritated. Because ZO2 is naturally present in the human body, it can be absorbed by the bloodstream and used by your body to help protect your cells from free radiation.

How do I apply ZOO? The Zoo is the most important step in using ZINC OINTMENT. You can apply it directly to your face, neck, arms, hands, feet, face and body. Apply it as you would any other product, but with the exception of your hands. Do not apply the ZONE to any part of you. If you have any questions about ZENITINE, please contact your dermatologist.

Zinc Helps You Maintain A Healthy Immune System

While the research is indecisive on whether or not zinc supplementation can help treat your common cold, it can help fend off toxins and foreign substances that threaten your health.

Zinc can boost T-cell production, which is an important component of the immune system responsible for fighting off infections, Harrison said. Low levels of zinc are connected with reduced T-cell function, which explains why those who are zinc deficient are more prone to illness.

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What To Eat To Help Ward Off Cancer

Zinc supplements are traditionally capsules that are swallowed whole, while zinc lozenges are essentially cough drops with zinc as the main active ingredient. Lozenges arent always well tolerated, because theyre designed to dissolve in the mouth and dont always taste great. Also keep in mind that zinc lozenges typically contain less zinc than standard zinc dietary supplements, Dr. Cole says. So if youre looking to increase your zinc intake to improve overall immune function long term, a dietary supplement may be the best, most effective option, she says. To find out if a zinc supplement may be beneficial for you, consult your healthcare team.

Is It Safe To Use Zinc Oxide Everyday

Zinc oxide is a very safe and effective treatment for acne. It is used to treat acne, and it is also used for treating other skin conditions. zinc is an essential mineral that helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Zinc is found in the body in small amounts, but it can be very toxic if it gets into the bloodstream. The amount of zinc in your body is determined by your age, sex, body weight, genetics, diet, medications, stress, exercise, sleep, etc. If you are taking any medications that can affect your zinc levels, you should consult your doctor before using zinc.

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Am I Getting Enough Zinc

A little bit of zinc can go a long way, but it also doesnt take much to become deficient in it either.

If your zinc levels are too low, you may see signs of zinc deficiency, which can include hair loss, diarrhea, weight loss, brittle nails, difficulty concentrating, decreased sense of smell and taste, acne, among many other issues.

In addition, consuming too much zinc, especially from supplements, can also have harmful effects and lead to zinc toxicity.

Toxicity can occur when taking high levels of elemental zinc and can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, metallic taste and headaches, Harrison said. If elemental zinc is ingested long-term, copper deficiency can also occur.

Supplementation isnt required for anyone, but there are certain groups who are at greater risk for deficiency. These include the elderly, vegetarians, those with food insecurities and alcohol use disorder.

Harrison shared the following advice if you plan to take a zinc supplement.

If youre supplementing zinc take it without other mineral supplements, such as iron and calcium, to avoid medication interaction, Harrison said. Zinc also works best in an acidic environment, so talk to your doctor if youre taking proton pump inhibitors or antacids as these can increase the pH or make the environment less acidic.

When Is The Best Time To Take Zinc

Since what you eat can have an impact on your bodys absorption of zinc, its often recommended to take zinc one hour before or two hours after a meal, although you can take it with food to avoid an upset stomach. Its also advised to avoid taking zinc supplements alongside iron or calcium supplements.

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Side Effects Of Oral Zinc Supplements

Zinc supplements are generally well tolerated, though theyve been associated with adverse side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain in some people .

Plus, exceeding 40 mg per day of elemental zinc can cause flu-like symptoms like fever, coughing, headache, and fatigue .

Zinc can also hinder your bodys ability to absorb copper, potentially leading to a deficiency in this key mineral over time .

Furthermore, zinc supplements have been shown to interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness if taken at the same time .

To reduce your risk of side effects, stick to the recommended dosage and avoid exceeding the tolerable upper limit of 40 mg per day, unless under medical supervision.

If you experience any negative side effects after taking zinc supplements, decrease your dosage. Consider consulting with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Summary

Zinc can cause negative side effects, including digestive issues and flu-like symptoms. It may also interfere with the absorption of copper and reduce the effectiveness of certain antibiotics.

Vegan Sources Of Zinc

If you dont eat animal products, you should still be able to get all the zinc you need from the following foods:

• Nuts
• Wholegrain cereals
• Pulses like beans, lentils, and peas
• Spinach
• Fortified breakfast cereals

Zinc aside, its a great idea to have these foods in your diet, as they are packed with fibre, protein, and important nutrients.

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Randomized Clinical Trial Of Zinc Plus Hydroxychloroquine Versus Hydroxychloroquine Alone In Hospitalized Patients With Covid

In a randomized clinical trial that was conducted at three academic medical centers in Egypt, 191 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were randomized to receive either zinc 220 mg twice daily plus hydroxychloroquine or hydroxychloroquine alone for a 5-day course. The primary endpoints were recovery within 28 days, the need for mechanical ventilation, and death. The two arms were matched for age and gender.8

Results

• There were no significant differences between the two arms in the percentages of patients who recovered within 28 days , the need for mechanical ventilation , or overall mortality .
• The only risk factors for mortality were age and the need for mechanical ventilation.

Limitations

• The study had a small sample size.
• There was no placebo control.

Interpretation

In outpatients with COVID-19, treatment with high-dose zinc gluconate, ascorbic acid, or a combination of the two supplements did not significantly decrease the number of days required to reach a 50% reduction in a symptom severity score compared with standard of care.

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• Allergies and Immunity

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Don’t Skip The Egg Yolks

If you’re looking to get plenty of vitamin D, make sure you don’t ditch the egg yolks and eat the entire egg! Vitamin D is found in the yolk of the egg, not the whites, which makes them a great vitamin D-boosting food. This is especially true for eggs from free-range or pasture-raised chickens, as they may contain up to six times more vitamin D than eggs from conventionally raised chickens11. As a bonus, when you eat the whole egg, you’re also getting plenty of other important nutrients, including choline, healthy fats, and essential amino acids. Here’s a great egg salad recipe to get inspired!

Synergistic Action Of Nutrients On Physical Barriers

The outer and inner surfaces of an organism, such as the skin and mucous membranes, are the first line of defense against pathogens, toxins and other foreign bodies, as they form physical barriers that prevent entry . SARS-CoV-2 is able to penetrate physical barriers when they are vulnerable. Thus, it can be transmitted directly, when there is physical contact with the infected person, or indirectly, when the infection occurs through droplets and aerosols in suspension or through fomites, where steel and plastic are the materials in which this virus is more viable .

Droplets containing SARS-CoV-2 are transmitted when they come in contact with the oral, respiratory tract and intestinal mucosa and the conjunctiva, tissues that express ACE2 necessary for the entry of this virus into the body. However, whether the consumption of food contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 can cause its transmission through the digestive system remains to be confirmed . Thus, the physical and functional integrity of the physical barriers, especially epithelial cells, is important for reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 contagion.

The epithelial cells are joined by distinct intercellular junctions, known as the epithelial junctional complex, which is formed by tight junctions, adherens junctions and desmosomes . Because they act as a selective barrier, this complex prevents the entry of pathogens and toxins into the bloodstream.

Table 1. Functions and protein constituents of the junctional complex.

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Contraindications Adverse Effects And Interactions

Chronic ingestion of zinc supplements up to the tolerable upper intake level is generally considered safe. Use of zinc supplements above the tolerable upper intake level in well-nourished pregnant and lactating women is contraindicated.2 Common adverse effects of excessive zinc intake include metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea .2 Prolonged exposure to amounts greater than the tolerable upper intake level may suppress immunity, decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and cause hypochromic microcytic anemia and copper deficiency.38 Furthermore, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study of 46,974 adult men found a 2.3 increased relative risk of advanced prostate cancer in men using elemental zinc in amounts of 100 mg per day or more.39 Zinc may inhibit absorption of penicillamine , tetracyclines, and quinolones. Iron supplements and phytates, found in grains and legumes, can inhibit zinc absorption and should be taken at least two hours apart from zinc supplements.

Facts On Zinc Supplements

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a number of important roles in the body. These include contributing to normal function of the immune system, as well as helping to contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, skin, nails and vision. Zinc also contributes to normal fertility and reproduction. Zinc is found in a range of foods, including meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts & seeds and wholegrains. To find out more bout Zinc read our blog post here.

The UK Department of Health and Social Care advise that men aged 19 to 64 years old require 9.5 milligrams of zinc per day whilst women need 7mg per day. Many experts believe there are times when higher levels of zinc can be beneficial.

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in a wide-range of functions in the body. It contributes to maintaining the normal function of the immune system and the protection of cells from oxidative stress, as well as supporting normal skin hair, nails, bones and vision. Zinc also contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, and to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood, as well as playing a role in the process of cell division.

Zinc also contributes to:

• Normal metabolism of fatty acids
• Normal carbohydrate metabolism
• Normal metabolism of vitamin A
• Normal acid-base metabolism

Ultra Zinc is a high-quality zinc supplement that is carefully-balanced with 1 mg of copper.

Find out more about what Zinc does for the body by reading this blog.

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What Should I Avoid While Taking Zinc

Avoid taking this medication with foods that are high in calcium or phosphorus, which can make it harder for your body to absorb Zinc. Foods high in calcium or phosphorus include milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, dried beans or peas, lentils, nuts, peanut butter, beer, cola soft drinks, and hot cocoa.

May Help With Acne But The Jurys Still Out

Although acne is common, it doesnt make it any less uncomfortable, stressful, and sometimes downright painful. This uncomfortable skin condition happens when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog your hair follicles. This jump-starts an inflammatory process.

Some dermatology research suggests that oral and topical zinc supplements may help treat acne. However, the results were mixed in a 2017 review of studies that used over 2,300 participants with acne. Some studies found that zinc was effective. Others, not so much.

Additionally, people with acne often have lower zinc levels or deficiencies. So, if your acne is giving you grief, ask your doctor or healthcare pro about trying zinc. But they may steer you toward more proven medications first.

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Types Of Zinc Supplements

Zinc supplements come in a number of types, including:

• Zinc gluconate. Zinc in this form is a zinc salt of gluconic acid. About 14% of zinc gluconate is elemental zinc, which is the amount available to be used by the body.
• Zinc sulfate. About 23% of zinc sulfate is elemental zinc. It may be the least expensive form of zinc, but its also more likely to irritate your stomach than others and not be absorbed as easily by the body.
• Zinc acetate. Containing about 35% elemental zinc, this form of zinc supplement is more easily absorbed by the body than other forms of zinc.

Other types of zinc supplements include zinc picolinate, zinc citrate and zinc monomethionine, according to the Mount Sinai Health System.

What Are The Precautions When Taking This Product

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• Take extra care if you are taking antibiotics. These are drugs like ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, or doxycycline.

• Take extra care if you are taking vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, copper, or vitamin A. Zinc may lower the absorption of these products.

• Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

• An infection

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What Are The Benefits Of Zinc

Eating a healthy, varied, and balanced diet is really important, as it helps us get all the important nutrients our bodies need.

Theres a long list of vitamins and minerals that should feature in our daily diet, and each is important in its own way. In this particular guide, well be talking about zinc, its benefits, and how you can get more into your diet.

Zinc And Pregnant/breastfeeding Women

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should take between 11 to 13mg a day, depending on their age.

Ideally, we should all be able to get this zinc from our daily diet.

However, if we have too much of it, then it can impact our bodys ability to absorb copper, which can lead to anaemia and make our bones weaker.

Zinc is lost through sweat, making supplementation very important for athletes, who dont get a lot of zinc through their daily diet

Thats why, if you are taking zinc supplements, its important not to exceed the recommended guidance.

Do not take more than 25mg of zinc tablets a day, unless you have been told otherwise by your GP.13

If you are deficient in zinc, then you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:14,15

• Low insulin levels

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