Using large amounts of these products, well beyond recommended levels, could lead to excessive zinc intake and copper deficiency. This can cause neurological problems, including numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.
However, certain groups of people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough zinc:. Zinc deficiency is rare in North America.
It causes slow growth in infants and children, delayed sexual development in adolescents and impotence in men. Zinc deficiency also causes hair loss, diarrhea , eye and skin sores and loss of appetite.
Weight loss, problems with wound healing, decreased ability to taste food, and lower alertness levels can also occur. Many of these symptoms can be signs of problems other than zinc deficiency. If you have these symptoms, your doctor can help determine whether you might have a zinc deficiency. Scientists are studying zinc to learn about its effects on the immune system the body's defense system against bacteria, viruses , and other foreign invaders. Scientists are also researching possible connections between zinc and the health problems discussed below.
The body's immune system needs zinc to do its job. Older people and children in developing countries who have low levels of zinc might have a higher risk of getting pneumonia and other infections. Zinc also helps the skin stay healthy. Some people who have skin ulcers might benefit from zinc dietary supplements, but only if they have low levels of zinc.
Children in developing countries often die from diarrhea. Studies show that zinc dietary supplements help reduce the symptoms and duration of diarrhea in these children, many of whom are zinc deficient or otherwise malnourished. It is not clear whether zinc dietary supplements can help treat diarrhea in children who get enough zinc, such as most children in the United States. Some studies suggest that zinc lozenges or syrup but not zinc dietary supplements in pill form help speed recovery from the common cold and reduce its symptoms if taken within 24 hours of coming down with a cold.
However, more study is needed to determine the best dose and form of zinc, as well as how long it should be taken before zinc can be recommended as a treatment for the common cold. Basnet S, et al. A randomized controlled trial of zinc as adjuvant therapy for severe pneumonia in young children. A randomized trial of zinc nasal spray for the treatment of upper respiratory illness in adults.
Am J Med. Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zinc sulfate in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. Oxidative damage and protection of the RPE.
Prog Retin Eye Res. Treatment of naturally acquired common colds with zinc: a structured review. Clin Infect Dis. Prospective study of zinc intake and the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Ann Epidemiol. Das UN. Nutritional factors in the pathobiology of human essential hypertension. Ineffectiveness of zinc gluconate nasal spray and zinc orotate lozenges in common-cold treatment: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Ther Health Med. Comprehensive nutritional status in recently diagnosed patients with inflammatory bowel disease compared with population controls.
Eur J Clin Nutr. Zinc and the eye. Zinc nasal gel for the treatment of common cold symptoms: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. ENT J. Nutritional supplements for age-related macular degeneration.
Curr Opin Ophthalmol. J Natl Cancer Inst. High concentration of zinc in sub-retinal pigment epithelial deposits. Exp Eye Res. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation and prostate cancer prevention in the SU. MAX trial. Int J Cancer. Serum zinc and pneumonia in nursing home elderly. Am J Clin Nutr. Meynadier J. Efficacy and safety study of two zinc gluconate regimens in the treatment of inflammatory acne. Eur J Dermatol. Miyata S. Zinc deficiency in the elderly.
Nippon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. National Academy of Sciences. Accessed June 1, Zinc supplementation during pregnancy and effects on growth and morbidity in low birthweight infants: a randomised placebo controlled trial.
Chloroxylenol and zinc oxide containing cream Nels cream vs. A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Clin Exp Dermatol. Patrick L. Alt Med Rev. Polin: Fetal and Neonatal Physiology, 4th ed. People with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc. Therefore, supplements may help reduce symptoms Zinc decreases oxidative stress and reduces levels of certain inflammatory proteins in your body Oxidative stress leads to chronic inflammation, a contributing factor in a wide array of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer and mental decline In a study in 40 older adults, those who took 45 mg of zinc per day experienced greater reductions in inflammatory markers than a placebo group Zinc may effectively reduce inflammation, boost immune health, reduce your risk of age-related diseases, speed wound healing and improve acne symptoms.
Symptoms of severe zinc deficiency include impaired growth and development, delayed sexual maturity, skin rashes, chronic diarrhea, impaired wound healing and behavioral issues Milder forms of zinc deficiency are more common, especially in children in developing countries where diets are often lacking in important nutrients. It is estimated that around 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in zinc due to inadequate dietary intake Since zinc deficiency impairs your immune system — increasing the chances of infection — zinc deficiency is thought to cause over , deaths in children under 5 every year Those at risk of zinc deficiency include 29 :.
Symptoms of mild zinc deficiency include diarrhea, decreased immunity, thinning hair, decreased appetite, mood disturbances, dry skin, fertility issues and impaired wound healing Thus, you may still be deficient even if tests indicate normal levels.
Doctors consider other risk factors — such as poor dietary intake and genetics — alongside blood results when determining whether you need supplements Risk factors for zinc deficiency include insufficient dietary intake, poor absorption, alcoholism, genetic mutations and old age. Many animal and plant foods are naturally rich in zinc, making it easy for most people to consume adequate amounts.
Foods highest in zinc include 32 :. Animal products, such as meat and shellfish, contain high amounts of zinc in a form that your body easily absorbs. Keep in mind that zinc found in plant-based sources like legumes and whole grains is absorbed less efficiently because of other plant compounds that inhibit absorption While many foods are naturally high in zinc, certain foods — such as ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, snack bars and baking flours — are fortified with zinc Zinc occurs naturally in foods like shellfish, meat, poultry and dairy, and is added to other foods, such as breakfast cereals and wheat flour.
Just as a deficiency in zinc can cause health complications, excessive intake can also lead to negative side effects.
The liver synthesizes albumin, so any form of liver inflammation or disease can also negatively affect zinc levels. Approximately half of all the zinc eliminated from the body occurs through the gastrointestinal tract. Because increased motility decreases the success of digestion and absorption, severe diarrhea can result in malabsorption of all nutrients, including zinc.
Attempting to avoid disease symptoms associated with eating might also influence the quantity of food individuals are willing to consume, which further increases their risk of deficiencies. More than specific enzymes require zinc for their catalytic function.
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