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Zinc
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
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
My Experience
For More information
- Zinc on the PDR Health site. Good info including interactions and references.
Last updated 14 February 2007
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