Mechanisms and effects (here are just a few that interest me)

• Antioxidant:
  • protects vital biomolecules (sulfhydryl compounds) from oxidation
  • competes with pro-oxidant metals (iron and copper) for binding sites, thus decreasing their ability to form free radicals
  • limits production of free radicals, such as superoxide and malondialdehyde (MDA), produced naturally by the body
  • essential part of potent antioxidant enzymes
    • zinc metallothionein
    • superoxide dismutase (SOD)
• also necessary [get more info] for
  • joint structure anabolism [typo??]
  • normal cell division, tissue repair and renewal
  • conversion of essential fatty acids into compounds that help regulate skin condition
  • insulin storage and release
  • several immune functions, including T-lymphocyte activity
  • cell membrane stabilization
  • Krebs' cycle
  • proper function of superoxide dismutase (SOD)

Natural sources

• meats

Deficiency

• Impaired senses of taste and smell (by decreasing desire to eat, this contributes to anorexia nervosa)
• hang nails, inflammation of nail cuticles, white spots on fingernails, transverse lines and poor nail growth
• sleep and behavioral disturbances, psychiatric illness
• all types of inflammatory bowel disease
• impaired glucose tolerance
• dandruff,
• arthritis
• alcoholism

Other disorders zinc treats

• Colds
• Herpes
• Canker Sores
• Eczema
• Prostatitis

Overdose

• Decreases immune function
• Blocks copper absorption.

Absorption

• Assists:
  • Niacin (Susan Costen Owens)
• Inhibits:
  • Mannitol (binds)
  • Dunne, p. 91: if the intake of calcium and phytic acid is higher, zinc consumption should be increased.” When zinc is added to the diet, Vitamin A is also needed in larger amounts.”
    
  • Leo Galland: “Starch and fiber interfere with zinc absorption, as do calcium and iron. Lack of stomach acid, which may be caused by infection or acid-lowering drugs, also interferes with zinc absorption”
  • Susan Owens: oxalate, phosphorus, vitamin C

Supplementation

• Forms
  • Zinc citrate - ligand citric acid increases the uptake of lead
  • Zinc picolinate - ligand picolinic acid removes iron from cells
  • Zinc gluconate -
  • Zinc oxide -
  • Zinc aspartate -
  • Zinc monomethionine. Some studies indicate this may be better absorbed than other forms.
  • Zinc histidine. Some studies indicate this may be better absorbed than other forms
  • Amy Yasko's Krebs Zinc: a mix of
    • zinc alpha-ketoglutarate
    • zinc succinate
    • zinc fumarate
    • zinc malate
    • zinc citrate
• Dosage
  • Raffelock recommends 10 to 30 mg daily.

My Experience

For More information

• Zinc on the PDR Health site. Good info including interactions and references.