- Acne (several double-blind studies)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - mild ef ect
- Alzheimer’s Disease - single study yielded good results
- Wilson’s Disease - zinc blocks copper absorption, helping to prevent copper accumulation (Requires medical
- supervision as high doses are required).2
- Osteoporosis Prevention - via increased synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-1 and the ef ects on enhanced
protein synthesis and bone density related to these effects.22
- Common cold – zinc lozenges shorten duration of colds in some, but not all studies (direct anti-viral action).6 Best
results with zinc gluconate or zinc gluconate-glycine lozenges containing 15-25 mg of zinc per lozenge.23,24
Dosage Ranges
1. General Health Support: 15-20 mg (Adults) - average intake from food alone is only 8-9 mg per day.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: 30-50 mg
3. Wound Healing: 30-50 mg
4. Low Sperm Count and Low Testosterone: 60 mg
5. Macular Degeneration: 100 mg (one year) (50-80 mg also shown to be effective)
6. Immune Strengthening: 20-50 mg15
7. Osteoporosis prevention (postmenopausal): 15-20 mg22
8. Common cold: zinc lozenges (15-25 mg), 4-5 per day for several days only23,24
Side Effects and Toxicity
Zinc is a very safe nutrient if taken at commonly cited intake levels (15-30 mg per day). At higher levels, such as 150
mg per day, it can reduce HDL-cholesterol levels, induce copper–deficiency anemia and impair immune function.
Acute toxicity causes vomiting. If taken on an empty stomach, zinc supplements can produce gastrointestional upset
and nausea.2,14
Some authorities caution against the long-term supplementation of more than 50 mg of zinc per day.15
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
A great number of drugs either impair zinc absorption or deplete zinc status. The most common drugs that may
increase zinc requirements include:
Anticonvulsants (e.g. sodium valproate)
Caf eine
Alcohol
Hormone Replacement therapy25
The following drugs have been shown to deplete zinc status:
H-2 Receptor Antagonists (antacids): reducing acidity, reduces zinc absorption26
Tetracyclines: these drugs bind to zinc in the intestinal tract reducing absorption of the drug and the mineral27,28
ACE Inhibitors: increase urinary loss of zinc29
Clofibrate30
Corticosteroid drugs: increase zinc excretion31,32
Ethambutol (animal study)33
Loop Diuretics: increase urinary excretion of zinc34
Oral Contraceptives35
Penicillamine36
Thiazide Diuretics: increase urinary excretion of zinc37
Valproic Acid38
Zidovudine (AZT)39
Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions
Copper: high intake of copper or zinc can reduce the absorption of the other.40,41
Iron: high intake of copper or iron can reduce the absorption of the other.42,43
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, the only supplements that are considered safe include standard prenatal
vitamin and mineral supplements. All other supplements or dose alterations may pose a threat to the
developing fetus and there is generally insuf icient evidence at this time to determine an absolute level of
safety for most dietary supplements other than a prenatal supplement. Any supplementation practices
beyond a prenatal supplement should involve the cooperation of the at ending physician (e.g., magnesium
and the treatment of preeclampsia.)
References: Pregnancy and Lactation
1. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Murray M. Prima Publishing 1998.
2. Reavley NM. The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs. Evans and
Company Inc. 1998.
3. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd edition). Murray M. Prima Publishing 1995.
4. Boon H and Smith M. Health Care Professional Training Program in Complementary Medicine.
Institute of Applied Complementary Medicine Inc. 1997.
1. Standard Textbooks of Nutritional Science:
- Shils M, Shike M, Olson J, Ross C. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;