Zinc - Immune System

Name: Zinc - Immune System

Scientific Name:

Intro: Zinc is involved in carbohydrate, protein, fat, and energy metabolism and helps support the immune system. As an important mineral, Zinc is also essential for cell division and growth. Zinc is necessary for the functioning of over 300 different enzymes and, as such, it plays a vital role in an enormous number of biological processes. Much attention has been placed on this mineral for its role in the immune system. In humans, the highest concentrations of zinc are found in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bone, and muscles.

Nutrient Content:

Benefits:

Helps regulate a wide variety of immune system functions and it may stimulate anti-viral activity
Facilitates wound healing, especially burns and scars
Plays an important role in the reproductive system where it is necessary for the development of sperm, for ovulation and for fertilization
Also involved in sensory perceptions like taste, smell and vision
Involved with controlling blood sugar levels and has been studied for use in the support of the symptoms of diabetes
Has anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit arthritis sufferers
Supports prostate health and prevent the progression of benign prostate enlargement.
Used to treat stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease
May support healthy vision and prevent macular degeneration

Comments: The Dietary Supplement Information Bureau recommends a daily dosage of approximately 25 mg of Zinc. Doses of 45mg per day are safe, but regular intake greater than 150mg per day could be a problem. Zinc toxicity can cause diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination and lethargy. Tell your doctor if any of these effects occur. Do not use any vitamin or mineral in children under 2 years of age unless first discussed with your healthcare professional.

Caution: Possible interactions:

H-2 Receptor Antagonists
These medications decrease the amount of stomach acid which may reduce the absorption of this nutrient. Supplementation with affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, rantidine.

ACE Inhibitors
These medications may decrease the amount of zinc in the body due to increased elimination in the urine. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary. These drugs include benazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, fosinopril,moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril, perindopril erbumine

Valproic Acid
This medication has been reported to cause a significant decrease in zinc levels in the blood. Supplementation with the affected nutrient may be necessary.

Copper
Zinc and copper are capable of decreasing the absorption of the other from the digestive tract. Supplementation with affected nutrient(s) may be necessary.