Zinc
Contents
Description of Zinc
The eighth element on the Periodic Chart, Zinc is an essential
element for the human body, and, in fact for all life. As an
integral constituent of innumerable proteins and enzymes
manufactured in the body, a zinc deficiency will cause a dramatic
decline in health leading to immune system suppression, the
eventual failure of organs and functions and, if untreated, even
death.
Most people take zinc periodically, as a part of a cold
treatment, but the body needs a continual, reliable source. If a
person isn't eating a balanced diet of meat, vegetables and
fruits, he or she may need a zinc supplement. And, since the zinc
in meat is significantly more bio-accessible than that of
vegetables, vegetarians may also need to be aware of the need to
supplement.
Zinc is integral to the immune system not only in the
mitigation of intestinal bacteria and the inhibition of viruses
but also in stimulating the development and action of a host of
white blood cells that fight intruders. It is helpful healing
wounds, especially surgical wounds and burns. It is vital to the
translation of our DNA code and to our internal. biochemical
communication systems. There are indications that it is pivotal to
our brain health. It's intimately involved in our sensory
perception, our smell, taste and vision; it controls the release
of vitamin A in the liver and it is most definitely important to
the the normal growth and development of a child.
Key uses of Zinc
Common cold
Immune stimulation
Anti-oxidant
Topical antibacterial
Wound healing
Macular degeneration
Clinical Applications
of Zinc
Common Cold: Zinc is a potent antimicrobial and
studies have shown it to be effective against cold viruses as
well.
Immune stimulation: stimulates the
development and action of a variety of white blood cells and other
immune factors.
Topical antibacterial: commonly found in topical
creams, calamine lotion, diaper creams
Wound healing: as component to those enzymes
involved with wound healing, even a slight zinc deficiency can
impede the healing process.
Macular degeneration: People who consumed
higher levels of vitamin E and zinc had about a 10 percent lower
risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
How Zinc Works
It is well known that zinc is effective against bacteria.
Gastrointestinal infections are especially strongly effected by
zinc and research has also shown that zinc actually binds with
surface elements of viruses, inhibiting their action. Zinc is
known to activate T lymphocytes, CD4, natural killer cells, and
interleukin II in the immune system, and it neutralizes the
oxidant effect of free radicals in oxygen-containing cells.
Studies have also indicated that with zinc supplementation, the
time it takes for wound healing decreased by as much as 43%. And,
when taken in combination with certain vitamins studies showed
zinc enhanced results; as in the case of macular degeneration
where, taken in tandem with E, the risk of disease was lowered.
Safety of Zinc
While zinc is imperative to health, supplementation must be
controlled.
Precautions of Zinc
Too much zinc can be harmful. Excessive absorption of zinc can
also suppress copper and iron absorption and levels of 100mg/day
have been indicated as a possible component in prostate cancer.
Recommended Amounts of
Zinc
Adults 8-11mg/day, children: 5-8 mg/day, infants and toddlers,
3 mg/day
|
|
|
