Zinc









Zinc


Natural product category
Mineral
What is this natural product used for?
Zinc supplementation has been used for a wide variety of conditions including acne, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the common cold, Crohn's disease, diabetes, gastric ulcers, macular degeneration, osteoporosis, skin conditions, and wound healing. Zinc is necessary for the functioning of over 300 different enzymes. It plays a vital role in an enormous number of biologic processes. In humans, the highest concentrations are found in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bone, muscles, eye, prostate, skin, hair, and nails.
How does it work?
Zinc is a critical chemical in many enzyme reactions involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It also plays an important role in the immune system and in sensory perception. Zinc has been shown to assist with insulin and thyroid activity as well.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Use caution if you have diabetes. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Dizziness. Rise slowly over several minutes from a sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Belly pain and cramps.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help.
  • May have a negative effect on cholesterol values.
What should I monitor?
  • Watch for unusual swelling of the legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, or exercise tolerance.
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Check lipid (cholesterol) panel. Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Dietary sources
Red meat, green beans, shellfish, poultry, legumes, whole grains
Dosage forms
Oral (tablets, lozenges)
Drug interactions
Some medications reduce the amount of zinc in the body. Talk with healthcare provider.
General statements
  • Minerals are essential nutrients, meaning the body cannot make them but has to obtain them from either food and/or supplements.
  • There are two categories of minerals: Macro and micro (or trace) minerals. Macrominerals are needed in larger quantities by the body, whereas microminerals are needed in small amounts.
  • Some minerals affect how others are absorbed or taken up by the body. High doses of any individual mineral supplements should be avoided unless directed by a qualified healthcare provider.
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