Zinc is used by some people to help with the common cold or lung infections, malaria, or asthma. It may help with wound healing, ulcers, acne, and skin infections. Some people will use zinc to help with age-related problems like macular degeneration or Alzheimer disease. Others will use it to help with loose stools.
What are the benefits of zinc tablets?
The Benefits of Zinc: What You Need to Know
- Impact of Zinc on Your Health. Your body needs zinc to function properly. ...
- Sources of Zinc. You can usually get enough zinc through your diet. ...
- Signs of Zinc Deficiency. Because zinc is used in many areas of the body, deficiency can be a serious matter. ...
- Zinc Toxicity. ...
- Zinc Interactions With Other Medications. ...
What is the difference between zinc and zinc oxide tablets?
- Quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics: Zinc may affect absorption of these types of antibiotics. ...
- Penicillamine (Depen, Cuprimine): This medication may decrease the amount of zinc in your body. ...
- Thiazide diuretics: These blood pressure medications increase the amount of zinc that you lose when you urinate. ...
How often should I take zinc?
- Consume 7-15 mg zinc four times a day, spread out as much as possible.
- If possible, take it on an empty stomach. If that causes nausea, take it with some phytate-free food.
- Use one zinc acetate lozenge per day, providing an additional 18 mg zinc. Before and after any deliberate potential exposures to the virus, use an additional lozenge. ...
What are the side effects of taking zinc?
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
Can we take zinc tablets daily?
People use oral zinc to help treat colds, but it can decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs and cause side effects. The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for adult men.
When should take zinc tablet?
Zinc supplements are most effective if they are taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, if zinc supplements cause stomach upset, they may be taken with a meal. You should tell your health care professional if you are taking your zinc supplement with meals.
Can I take zinc with vitamin C?
In pooled analyses of both studies (n=94), vitamin C plus zinc was significantly more efficient than placebo at reducing rhinorrhoea over 5 days of treatment. Furthermore, symptom relief was quicker and the product was well tolerated.
Does zinc have side effects?
In some people, zinc might cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste, kidney and stomach damage, and other side effects. Using zinc on broken skin may cause burning, stinging, itching, and tingling. Zinc is POSSIBLY SAFE when taking by mouth in doses greater than 40 mg daily.
Why is zinc important?
Zinc is important for growth and for the development and health of body tissues. Zinc is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiency. Zinc may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How to take zinc sulfate?
Take Zinc with a full glass of water. Take Zinc with food if it upsets your stomach. Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best result. The recommended dietary allowance of zinc sulfate changes with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Can zinc sulfate harm a baby?
It is not known whether Zinc will harm an unborn baby. Do not use Zinc without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. It is not known whether zinc sulfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What is the role of zinc in the body?
Zinc plays a key role in maintaining vision, and it is present in high concentrations in the eye.
Why is zinc important for infants?
Giving zinc to underweight infants in developing countries seems to decrease the risk of death, prevent certain complications, and improve mental ability. Giving zinc supplements to low birth weight infants in industrialized countries also seems to help prevent some complications and death.
How long does zinc gluconate last?
For type 2 diabetes: 25 mg of zinc gluconate has been taken twice daily for 8 weeks. For diabetes in pregnant women: 30 mg of zinc gluconate has been taken daily for 6 weeks. For reduced ability to taste (hypogeusia): 140-450 mg of zinc gluconate has been taken in up to three divided doses daily for up to 4 months.
Why is zinc considered an essential trace element?
It is called an "essential trace element" because very small amounts of zinc are necessary for human health. Since the human body does not store excess zinc, it must be consumed regularly as part of the diet. Common dietary sources of zinc include red meat, poultry, and fish.
What are the effects of zinc deficiency?
Zinc is used for the treatment and prevention of zinc deficiency and its consequences, including stunted growth and acute diarrhea in children, slow wound healing, and Wilson's disease.
How long after taking antibiotics can you take zinc?
To avoid this interaction take zinc supplements at least 1 hour after antibiotics. Some of these antibiotics that might interact with zinc include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and grepafloxacin (Raxar).
What foods have zinc in them?
It is found in several systems and biological reactions, and it is needed for immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and much more. Meats, seafood, dairy products, nuts, legumes, and whole grains offer relatively high levels of zinc.
What is zinc good for?
Zinc is also important to wound healing and your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat and fortified breakfast cereals.
How long after zinc can you take antibiotics?
Taking the antibiotic two hours before or four to six hours after taking zinc can minimize this effect. Penicillamine. Using oral zinc with the rheumatoid arthritis drug penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) can reduce the drug's ability to ease arthritis symptoms.
Does zinc help with skin ulcers?
Wound healing. People with skin ulcers and low levels of zinc might benefit from oral zinc supplements. Diarrhea.
Can zinc help with diarrhea?
Oral zinc supplements can reduce the symptoms of diarrhea in children with low levels of zinc, such as from malnutrition. There isn't enough evidence to recommend use of oral zinc for children with diarrhea who have a healthy, varied diet. Age-related macular degeneration.
Does zinc oxide help with macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration. Research suggests that oral zinc might slow the progression of this eye disease. Zinc that's used topically is known as zinc oxide. Zinc oxide cream, ointment or paste is applied to the skin to prevent conditions such as diaper rash and sunburn.
Can zinc supplements be taken after a cold?
Oral zinc supplements might benefit people with low levels of zinc. Taken soon after cold symptoms appear, zinc might also shorten the length of a cold. However, don't use intranasal zinc, which has been linked with the loss of the sense of smell.
What are the benefits of zinc?
Produce and store insulin. Help your thyroid and metabolism work properly. Make proteins and DNA. Zinc has also been shown to improve the following conditions: Common cold. Diarrhea. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) Getting the right amount of zinc is especially important as you grow.
Why is zinc important?
Your body needs zinc to function properly. If you don’t get enough, you could develop health problems. Your body uses zinc to do the following: Zinc has also been shown to improve the following conditions: Getting the right amount of zinc is especially important as you grow.
How to lose zinc in urine?
Chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide can make you lose zinc through urine. Taking these medicines for a long time can decrease the amount of zinc in your body. Antibiotics. Taking quinolone or tetracycline with zinc can make the medication less effective and prevent your body from absorbing the zinc.
How much zinc should a 14 year old take?
Teenage girls aged 14 to 18 years need 9 milligrams/day. Teenage boys aged 14 to 18 years require 11 milligrams/day. Signs of Zinc Deficiency. Because zinc is used in many areas of the body, deficiency can be a serious matter. Zinc deficiency can cause the following: .
Why is zinc important for pregnant women?
Children and teens need to have zinc in their diet. Zinc is a vital nutrient in pregnancy. It helps with the proper development of the fetus. People who breastfeed also need more zinc in their diet than usual.
Is zinc a serious problem?
Zinc requirements vary in childhood and teenage years: Because zinc is used in many areas of the body, deficiency can be a serious matter. Zinc deficiency can cause the following: . If you suspect you have a zinc deficiency, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before you start supplementing.
Does zinc help with alcoholism?
. People who struggle with alcoholism. Alcohol can prevent your body from absorbing zinc. People with alcoholism often don’t have a well-balanced diet that includes enough zinc.
What is zinc used for?
As we have already mentioned, zinc plays an all important role in cell growth, replication and repair and this applies to the skin as much as any other part of the body.
Why is zinc important for diabetes?
Diabetes. Zinc is necessary to balance many of the body’s hormones including the insulin responsible for regulating blood sugar. Zinc can benefit the level of blood sugar by binding to insulin allowing for it to be stored by the pancreas and released effectively.
What would happen if we didn't have zinc?
We know for sure that without zinc, many of our essential bodily functions would go awry. The WHO has stated that over 30% of the world’s population are deficient in zinc. There are a number of symptoms of zinc deficiency such as muscle waste, hair loss and poor immunity.
How long does it take for zinc to work after a cold?
Research published in 2013 by Indian researchers revealed that if you start taking zinc supplements within the first 24 hours of the onset of your cold, symptoms disappeared significantly faster. (2)
Why are alcoholics at a greater risk for zinc deficiency?
Alcoholics are also at a much greater risk of zinc deficiency because their diets tend to be much less nutritious. Women who are taking the contraceptive pill and those undergoing hormone replacement therapy are also believed to be more prone to a zinc deficiency.
How do you know if you have zinc deficiency?
The following signs are the most common: Weight loss or weight gain. Changes in a person;s appetite which can include cravings for sweet or salty foods.
Why is zinc important for muscle growth?
zinc also plays a very important role in cell growth and division meaning it helps boost both muscle growth and repair following injury. It also helps the body maintain muscular and skeletal strength meaning you will feel fitter and stronger physically. Muscle mass is also boosted by the fact that zinc helps to stimulate the release of the hormone-testosterone.
Why is zinc sulfate used?
Zinc is important for growth and for the development and health of body tissues. Zinc sulfate is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiency. Zinc sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How to take zinc sulfate?
Take zinc sulfate with a full glass of water. Take zinc sulfate with food if it upsets your stomach. Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best result. The recommended dietary allowance of zinc sulfate changes with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
What are the side effects of zinc sulfate?
Zinc sulfate side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects may include: nausea; or. upset stomach. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Can you use zinc sulfate while pregnant?
You may not be able to use zinc sulfate if you have certain medical conditions. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether zinc sulfate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use zinc sulfate without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
What is the DRI for zinc?
DRI is the general term for a set of reference values used for planning and assessing nutrient intakes of healthy people . These values, which vary by age and gender [ 2 ], include the following:
What foods contain zinc?
Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food , but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet . Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain types of seafood (such as crab and lobster), whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products [ 2, 11 ].
How much zinc should an infant take?
Breast milk provides sufficient zinc (2 mg/day) for the first 4–6 months of life but does not provide recommended amounts of zinc for infants aged 7–12 months, who need 3 mg/day [ 2, 34 ].
Why do alcoholics have low zinc levels?
Approximately 30%–50% of alcoholics have low zinc status because ethanol consumption decreases intestinal absorption of zinc and increases urinary zinc excretion [ 45 ]. In addition, the variety and amount of food consumed by many alcoholics is limited, leading to inadequate zinc intake [ 2, 46, 47, 48 ].
What diseases can lead to zinc deficiency?
Other diseases associated with zinc deficiency include malabsorption syndrome, chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, malignancy, and other chronic illnesses [ 38 ]. Chronic diarrhea also leads to excessive loss of zinc [ 25 ].
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?
In more severe cases, zinc deficiency causes hair loss, diarrhea, delayed sexual maturation, impotence, hypogonadism in males, and eye and skin lesions [ 2, 8, 25, 26 ]. Weight loss, delayed healing of wounds, taste abnormalities, and mental lethargy can also occur [ 5, 8, 27-31 ]. Many of these symptoms are non-specific and often associated with other health conditions; therefore, a medical examination is necessary to ascertain whether a zinc deficiency is present.
What are the best foods to eat for zinc?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans describes a healthy dietary pattern as one that: 1 Includes a variety of vegetables; fruits; grains (at least half whole grains); fat-free and low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese; and oils.#N#Whole grains and milk products are good sources of zinc. Many ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with zinc. 2 Includes a variety of protein foods such as lean meats; poultry; eggs; seafood; beans, peas, and lentils; nuts and seeds; and soy products.#N#Oysters, red meat, and poultry are excellent sources of zinc. Baked beans, chickpeas, and nuts (such as cashews and almonds) also contain zinc. 3 Limits foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. 4 Limits alcoholic beverages. 5 Stays within your daily calorie needs.
Why is zinc acetate used?
Zinc is important for growth and for the development and health of body tissues. Zinc acetate is used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiency. Zinc acetate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How to take zinc acetate?
Take zinc acetate with a full glass of water. Take zinc acetate with food if it upsets your stomach. Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from zinc acetate. The recommended dietary allowance of zinc acetate increases with age.
What are the side effects of zinc acetate?
Zinc acetate side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects may include: nausea; or. upset stomach.
What drugs can interact with zinc acetate?
The following drugs can interact with or be made less effective by zinc acetate. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these: a tetracycline antibiotic such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline ( Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin ), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, ...
Can you use zinc acetate on a baby?
Before using zinc acetate, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use zinc acetate if you have certain medical conditions. It is not known whether zinc acetate will harm an unborn baby.