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Zinc is an essential trace mineral that assist our bodies to repair wounds, maintain fertility in adults and growth in children, regulate hormones, synthesize protein, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, boost immunity, contained in enzymes that regulate metabolism, and protect against free radicals among other important functions.(10)
Of particular interest to us is zincs role in helping control skin disorders and in wound healing. There are numerous studies that document to some extent zincs effect in treating acne although the mechanism for the effect of zinc therapy in acne appears to be not presently known. One such study found oral zinc sulfate administered to participants for four weeks showed significant decreases in the number of papules, pustules and infiltrates. There are numerous articles and message boards where others have also had success with zinc in treating acne and other skin conditions. Zinc aids in the normal functioning of the oil-producing glands (sebaceous) in the skin. Clinical studies conclude the wound healing power of zinc was evident only in those patients that were zinc deficient. This can be determined by a zinc serum level test which is recommended since taking too much zinc can have toxic effects. Research findings indicate that when applied topically zinc appears to be beneficial regardless of a patients zinc status.(4)
Zinc deficiency is usually associated with disease conditions such as alcoholism, renal disease, burns, gastrointestinal tract disorders such as Crohns disease, and acrodermatitis enteropathica. A case of zinc deficiency was documented in a patient that was attributed to small intestine bypass surgery for obesity (2). Skin lesions and poor wound healing are present in severe forms of deficiency but other symptoms could include hair loss, acrodermatitis and eczema. Even modest zinc deficiency causes lymphopenia, a condition in which there exist an abnormally low number of lymphocytes (T-Cells) in the blood needed to fight infection and reduced immune capacity. (1) Please do not try to diagnose zinc deficiency on your own we recommend that you see a physician to determine if you have low serum levels of zinc.
Too much zinc can have serious consequences per the Office of Dietary Supplements. Intakes of 150 to 450 mg of zinc per day can have toxic effects and have been associated with low copper status, altered iron function, reduced immune function, and reduced levels of high-density liproproteins (HDL the good cholesterol). Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and fatigue.(5)
Some sources recommend to take 25 40 mg for adults or 23-34 mg for teenagers once a day to help treat acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis however this information varied by source.(6) These amounts are at the upper end of the recommended dietary reference intake (RDI). It can take up to three months or more to see results. When taking zinc long term (over one month) you must also supplement each time with 2-3 mg of copper. Take the copper two hours after to eliminate absorption problems. Large amounts of iron supplements (more than 25mg) may also decrease zinc absorption.
Zinc may interact with some antibiotics such tetracycline, minocycline and others. Taking zinc two hours after will help avoid this problem. Dont take zinc if you have stomach or duodenal ulcers. (8) See your doctor before taking zinc in doses above the daily value of 15mg or if youre taking a calcium supplement. Zinc supplements are most effective if they are taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, if zinc supplements cause stomach upset, they may be taken with a meal. You should tell your health care professional if you are taking your zinc supplement with meals. Do not take zinc with foods high in calcium or phosphorus as they may decrease zinc absorption.
Zinc comes in many forms; zinc picolinate, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc monomethionine, and others. It is said that zinc picolinate is the most absorbable. Zinc pyrithione is being used in some products to treat psoriasis.
A quality multi-vitamin that also has mineral support should have the FDA recommended dietary reference intake (DRI) for zinc. Make sure your supplement also has copper and magnesium. The recommended daily requirement for zinc by the FDA varies for children, teenagers, women and men, also for pregnant and lactating women. For women 19 years and over 8 mg is the recommended minimum dietary reference intake (DRI) for zinc.(5)
Most non-supplemental zinc can be obtained from meats and poultry in our diet. Beef, pork and lamb contain more zinc than fish. The dark meat of chicken has more zinc than the white meat. Oysters contain more zinc than any other food. Phylates, which are found in whole grain breads, cereals, legumes and other products, can decrease zinc absorption. Fruits and vegetables are not good sources, because zinc in plant proteins is not as available for use by the body as the zinc from animal proteins. Vegetarians may need as much as 50% more zinc than non-vegetarians because of the lower absorption of zinc from plant foods.
1.Journal American Medical Association Vol. 123 No .12, December 1987, Zinc deficiency and immune function, Article, P.J. Fraker, P. Jardieu and J. Cook; Department of Biochemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing
2.Journal American Medical Association Vol. 114 No. 10, October 1978, Acquired zinc deficiency dermatosis in man, Article, K. Weismann, S. Wadskov, H, I, Mikkelsen, L. Knudsen, K. C. Christensen and L. Stogaard
3.Journal American Medical Association Vol. 113 No. 1, January 1977, Effects of oral zinc and vitamin A in acne, Article, G. Michaelsson, L. Juhlin and A. Vahlquist
4.Journal American Medical Association Vol. 135 No 19, October 1999, Zinc in Wound Repair, Correspondence
5.Clinical Nutrition Service, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, Facts About Dietary Supplements
6.WebMD, Understanding Eczema Treatment, Medical Reference Archive, Reviewed by Dominique Walton Brooks MD, MBA
7.Nutrition Week, Nutrition and Wound Healing, January 18, 2003, Document Review focus on nutrients that aid in healing of wounds. Cheryl W. Thompson RD, Med, CNSD
8.Mayo Clinic Proc., July 2002; 77(7):713-6, Toxic effects associated with consumption of zinc.; Igic PG, Lee E, Harper W, Roach KW
9. Journal American Medical Association Vol. 114, No. 12, December, 1978; Article, Zinc sulfate in acne vulgaris, V.M. Weimar, S.C. Puhl, W. H. Smith and J.E. tenBroeke
10. British Medical Journal, November 9, 2002; 325 (7372):1062, What does zinc do?, Abi Berger, science editor Top of Page These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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