zinc
.png)
Overview
Zinc, a nutrient found throughout the body, helps the immune system
and metabolic function. Zinc is also important for wound healing and for the
senses of taste and smell.
By eating a varied diet, the body usually gets enough zinc. Food
sources of zinc include chicken, red meat, and fortified breakfast cereals.
People use zinc by mouth to help treat the common cold, but it can
reduce the effectiveness of some medications and cause side effects.
The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women
and 11 mg for adult men.
Directories
Research on taking zinc by mouth for specific conditions shows:
Zinc deficiency. People with low levels of zinc have been shown to
benefit most when taking zinc supplements. This type of deficiency is not
common in the United States.
Colds. Evidence suggests that if zinc lozenges or syrup is taken
within 24 hours after the onset of cold symptoms, the supplement can shorten
the duration of the common cold. However, intranasal zinc has been associated
with a loss of the sense of smell, and in some cases the loss has been for a
long time or a permanent loss.
Wound healing. People with skin sores with low zinc levels may
benefit from oral zinc supplements.
Diarrhea. Oral zinc supplements can reduce symptoms of diarrhea in
children with low levels of zinc, such as low levels of zinc caused by poor
nutrition. However, there is not enough evidence to recommend oral zinc for
children with diarrhea who eat a healthy, varied diet.
Age-related macular degeneration. Research suggests that zinc taken
by mouth can slow the progression of this eye disease.
Zinc 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.
From our point of view
Generally safe
Oral zinc supplementation may benefit individuals with low levels of
zinc. And when you take zinc shortly after the onset of cold symptoms, it may
also shorten the duration of the infection.
However, do not take zinc intranasally; it is something that has been
linked to the loss of the sense of smell.
Safety and side effects
Taking zinc pills can lead to:
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
When taking zinc pills long term and in high doses it can lead to
copper deficiency. People with low levels of copper may experience neurological
problems, such as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.
The US National Institutes of Health considers 40 mg of zinc per day
to be the maximum dose for adults, and 4 mg of zinc per day for infants under 6
months of age.
Do not use zinc intranasally. This form of zinc has been associated
with a loss of smell.
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
Antibiotics. Using oral zinc while you are taking quinolones or
tetracycline antibiotics can interfere with their ability to fight bacteria.
Taking antibiotics two hours before eating or four to six hours after taking
zinc can reduce this effect.
Penicillamine. Using oral zinc with the rheumatoid arthritis drug
penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) can reduce the drug's ability to relieve
arthritis symptoms. Taking zinc at least two hours before or after taking the
drug may reduce this effect.
Thiazide diuretics. These blood pressure drugs can increase the
amount of zinc lost in the urine.