Topic Contents

Zinc

Uses

Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes needed to repair wounds, maintain fertility in adults and growth in children, synthesize protein, help cells reproduce, preserve vision, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals, among other functions.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Amount	Why
Acne Vulgaris	60 to 90 mg daily	Several double-blind trials indicate that taking zinc reduces acne severity. Long-term use requires 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.
Acne Vulgaris 60 to 90 mg daily Several double-blind trials indicate that zinc supplements reduce the severity of acne.¹ ^{, 2} ^{, 3} ^{, 4} In one double-blind trial,⁵ though not in another,⁶ zinc was found to be as effective as oral antibiotic therapy. Doctors sometimes suggest that people with acne take 30 mg of zinc two or three times per day for a few months, then 30 mg per day thereafter. It often takes 12 weeks before any improvement is seen. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Acrodermatitis	30 to 150 mg per day under a doctor's supervision	Supplementing with the correct amount of zinc can completely resolve hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica
Acrodermatitis 30 to 150 mg per day under a doctor's supervision Supplementation with zinc brings about complete remission in hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica. Zinc supplements in the amount of 30 to 150 mg per day are used by people with this condition.⁷ People with acrodermatitis enteropathica need to be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure that their level of zinc supplementation is adequate and that the zinc supplements are not inducing a copper deficiency. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Down’s Syndrome	1 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily	Zinc may improve immune function, reduce infection rates, and stimulate growth. Take under a doctor’s supervision.
Down’s Syndrome 1 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily Blood levels of the antioxidant minerals selenium and zinc were normal in one study of people with Down’s syndrome,⁸ but others have found selenium⁹ ^{, 10} and zinc¹¹ ^{, 12} ^{, 13} levels to be low. In some studies more than 60% of patients with Down’s syndrome had low zinc levels.¹⁴ ^{, 15} A preliminary study of selenium supplementation in children with Down’s syndrome found that the antioxidant activity in the body improved; however, the implications of this finding on the long-term health of these people is unclear.¹⁶ Zinc is critical for proper immune function, and in one preliminary study the majority of patients with Down’s syndrome examined had low zinc levels and low immune cell activity. Supplementation with zinc resulted in improved immune cell activity.¹⁷ In preliminary intervention trials, improved immune cell activity was associated with reduced rates of infection in Down’s syndrome patients given supplemental zinc in the amount of 1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day.¹⁸ ^{, 19} A controlled trial, however, did not find zinc, at 25 mg daily for children under 10 years of age and 50 mg for older children, to have these benefits.²⁰ Zinc has other roles in the body; preliminary data have indicated that zinc supplementation, at 1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, improved thyroid function in Down’s syndrome patients,²¹ ^{, 22} ^{, 23} and increased growth rate in children with Down’s syndrome.²⁴ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Male Infertility and Zinc Deficiency	60 mg (plus 2 mg of copper, to prevent depletion) daily	Zinc deficiency leads to reduced numbers of sperm and impotence in men. Taking zinc may correct this problem and improve sperm quality.
Male Infertility and Zinc Deficiency 60 mg (plus 2 mg of copper, to prevent depletion) daily Zinc deficiency leads to reduced numbers of sperm and impotence in men.²⁵ The correlation between blood levels of zinc and sperm quality remains controversial. Infertile men have been reported to have lower levels of zinc in their semen, than do men with normal fertility.²⁶ Similarly, men with normal sperm density tend to have higher amounts of zinc in their semen, than do men with low sperm counts.²⁷ However, other studies have found that a high concentration of zinc in the semen is related to decreased sperm motility in infertile men.²⁸ ^{, 29} A few studies have shown that oral zinc supplementation improves both sperm count³⁰ ^{, 31} motility,³² ^{, 33} and the physical characteristics of sperm in some groups of infertile men.³⁴ For infertile men with low semen zinc levels, a preliminary trial found that zinc supplements (240 mg per day) increased sperm counts and possibly contributed to successful impregnation by 3 of the 11 men.³⁵ However, these studies all included small numbers of volunteers, and thus the impact of their conclusions is limited. In a controlled trial, 100 men with low sperm motility received either 57 mg of zinc twice daily or a placebo.³⁶ After three months, there was significant improvement in sperm quality, sperm count, sperm motility, and fertilizing capacity of the sperm. The ideal amount of supplemental zinc remains unknown, but some doctors recommend 30 mg two times per day. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.

Used for	Amount	Why
Night Blindness and Zinc Deficiency	If deficient: 15 to 30 mg daily (with 1 to 2 mg copper daily, to prevent depletion)	A lack of zinc may reduce the activity of retinol dehydrogenase, an enzyme needed to help vitamin A work in the eye. Zinc helps night blindness in people who are zinc-deficient.
Night Blindness and Zinc Deficiency If deficient: 15 to 30 mg daily (with 1 to 2 mg copper daily, to prevent depletion) Dietary zinc deficiency is common, and a lack of zinc may reduce the activity of retinol dehydrogenase, an enzyme needed to help vitamin A work in the eye. Zinc helps night blindness in people who are zinc-deficient;³⁷ therefore, many physicians suggest 15 to 30 mg of zinc per day to support healthy vision. Because long-term zinc supplementation may reduce copper levels, 1 to 2 mg of copper per day (depending on the amount of zinc used) is usually recommended for people who are supplementing with zinc for more than a few weeks.

Used for	Amount	Why
Wilson’s Disease	Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	Supplementing with zinc may help reduce dietary copper absorption.
Wilson’s Disease Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner Zinc is known for its ability to reduce copper absorption and has been used successfully in patients with Wilson’s disease,³⁸ with some trials lasting for years years.³⁹ ^{, 40} Researchers have called zinc a “remarkably effective and nontoxic therapy for Wilson’s disease.”⁴¹ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of zinc to treat Wilson’s disease for maintenance therapy following drug therapy, although some scientists recommend that it be considered for initial therapy as well.⁴² Zinc has also been used to keep normal copper levels from rising in people with Wilson’s disease who had previously been treated successfully with prescription drugs.⁴³ Zinc (50 mg taken three times per day) has been used for such maintenance therapy,⁴⁴ though some researchers have used the same amount of zinc to successfully treat people with Wilson’s disease who had not received drug therapy.⁴⁵ Zinc is so effective in lessening the body’s burden of copper that a copper deficiency was reported in someone with Wilson’s disease who took too much (480 mg per day) zinc.⁴⁶ Nonetheless, zinc may not help everyone with Wilson’s disease. Sometimes increased copper levels can occur in the liver after zinc supplementation;⁴⁷ however, leading researchers believe this increase is temporary and may not be not harmful.⁴⁸ Zinc supplementation (25 mg or 50 mg three times daily) has also been used to successfully treat pregnant women with Wilson’s disease.⁴⁹ Management of Wilson’s disease with zinc should only be undertaken with the close supervision of a doctor. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Wound Healing	30 mg daily (with 2 mg copper daily to prevent depletion), or apply topical zinc preparations regularly	Zinc is a component of enzymes needed to repair wounds, and even a mild deficiency can interfere with optimal recovery from everyday tissue damage.
Wound Healing 30 mg daily (with 2 mg copper daily to prevent depletion), or apply topical zinc preparations regularly Zinc is a component of many enzymes, including some that are needed to repair wounds. Even a mild deficiency of zinc can interfere with optimal recovery from everyday tissue damage, as well as from more serious trauma.⁵⁰ ^{, 51} One controlled trial found the healing time of a surgical wound was reduced by 43% with oral supplementation of 50 mg of zinc three times per day, in the form of zinc sulfate.⁵² Whether oral zinc helps tissue healing when no actual zinc deficiency exists is unclear,⁵³ but doctors often recommend 30 mg of zinc per day for four to six weeks to aid in the healing of wounds. Topical zinc-containing treatments, on the other hand, have improved healing of skin wounds even when there is no deficiency.⁵⁴ ^{, 55} Long-term oral zinc supplementation must be accompanied by copper supplementation to prevent a zinc-induced copper deficiency. Typically, if 30 mg of zinc are taken each day, it should be accompanied by 2 mg of copper. If 60 mg of zinc are used, it should be accompanied by 3 mg of copper each day. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Acne Rosacea	23 mg three times per day for three months	In a double-blind study, zinc supplements decreased the rosacea severity by about 75%. Long-term zinc users should also take a copper supplement to prevent deficiency.
Acne Rosacea 23 mg three times per day for three months In a double-blind study, supplementing with zinc (23 mg three times per day for three months) decreased the severity of rosacea by about 75%, whereas no improvement occurred in the placebo group. Mild gastrointestinal upset was reported by 12% of the people taking zinc, but no other significant side effects occurred.⁵⁶ Long-term zinc supplementation should be accompanied by a copper supplement, in order to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Anorexia	50 mg a day (with 1 to 3 mg copper daily, to protect against depletion)	People with anorexia may be deficient in zinc, in which case supplementing with the mineral can restore levels and improve symptoms.
Anorexia 50 mg a day (with 1 to 3 mg copper daily, to protect against depletion) Zinc deficiency has also been detected in people with anorexia or bulimia in most,⁵⁷ ^{, 58} though not all,⁵⁹ studies. In addition, some of the manifestations of zinc deficiency, such as reduced appetite, taste, and smell, are similar to symptoms observed in some cases of anorexia or bulimia.⁶⁰ In an uncontrolled trial, supplementation with 45–90 mg per day of zinc resulted in weight gain in 17 out of 20 anorexics after 8–56 months.⁶¹ In a double-blind study, 35 women hospitalized with anorexia, given 14 mg of zinc per day, achieved a 10% increase in weight twice as fast as the group that received a placebo.⁶² In another report, a group of adolescent girls with anorexia, some of whom were hospitalized, was found to be consuming 7.7 mg of zinc per day in their diet—only half the recommended amount.⁶³ Providing these girls with 50 mg of zinc per day in a double-blind trial helped diminish their depression and anxiety levels, but had no significant effect on weight gain. Anyone taking zinc supplements for more than a few weeks should also supplement with 1 to 3 mg per day of copper to prevent a zinc-induced copper deficiency.

Used for	Amount	Why
Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder	If deficient: 15 mg per day	In one study, children with ADHD who received zinc showed significantly greater behavioral improvement, compared with children who received a placebo.
Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder If deficient: 15 mg per day In a double-blind study, children with ADHD who received 15 mg of zinc per day for six weeks showed significantly greater behavioral improvement, compared with children who received a placebo.⁶⁴ This study was conducted in Iran, and zinc deficiency has been found to be quite common in certain parts of that country. It is not clear, therefore, to what extent the results of this study apply to children living in other countries. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Birth Defects	15 mg daily	Many doctors recommend a zinc-containing multivitamin to all women of childbearing age who may become pregnant for its potential role in preventing neural tube defects.
Birth Defects 15 mg daily In a preliminary study, women with the highest total dietary zinc intake before pregnancy (including zinc from both food and supplements) had a 35% decreased risk of having an NTD-affected pregnancy.⁶⁵ However, another preliminary study found no association between blood levels of zinc in pregnant women and the incidence of NTDs.⁶⁶ Zinc supplementation (15 mg per day) is considered safe for pregnant women. Given its safety and potential role in preventing NTDs, a zinc-containing multivitamin is recommended by many doctors to all women of childbearing age who may become pregnant. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Bulimia	Refer to label instructions	People with bulimia may be deficient in zinc, in which case supplementing with the mineral can restore levels and improve symptoms.
Bulimia ???

Used for	Amount	Why
Canker Sores and Zinc Deficiency	150 mg daily plus 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency	Zinc deficiency has been linked with recurrent canker sores, so treating the deficiency may lead to relief. Long-term zinc supplementation requires extra copper to avoid deficiency.
Canker Sores and Zinc Deficiency 150 mg daily plus 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency Zinc deficiency has also been linked with recurrent canker sores in preliminary studies⁶⁸ and in one case report.⁶⁹ A preliminary trial found that supplementation with up to 150 mg of zinc per day reduced recurrences of canker sores by 50 to 100%; participants who were zinc deficient experienced the most consistent benefit.⁷⁰ However, a double-blind trial (that did not test people for zinc deficiency) did not find zinc supplements helpful for recurrent canker sores.⁷¹

Used for	Amount	Why
Celiac Disease and Zinc Deficiency	Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. Supplementing with zinc may correct a deficiency.
Celiac Disease and Zinc Deficiency Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. The most common nutritional problems in people with celiac disease include deficiencies of essential fatty acids, iron, vitamin D, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid.⁷² Zinc malabsorption also occurs frequently in celiac disease⁷³ and may result in zinc deficiency, even in people who are otherwise in remission.⁷⁴ People with newly diagnosed celiac disease should be assessed for nutritional deficiencies by a doctor. Celiac patients who have not yet completely recovered should supplement with a high-potency multivitamin-mineral. Some patients may require even higher amounts of some of these vitamins and minerals—an issue that should be discussed with their healthcare practitioner. Evidence of a nutrient deficiency in a celiac patient is a clear indication for supplementation with that nutrient. After commencement of a gluten-free diet, overall nutritional status gradually improves. However, deficiencies of some nutrients may persist, even in people who are strictly avoiding gluten. For example, magnesium deficiency was found in 8 of 23 adults with celiac disease who had been following a gluten-free diet and were symptom-free. When these adults were supplemented with magnesium for two years, their bone mineral density increased significantly.⁷⁵

Used for	Amount	Why
Cold Sores	Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	Topically applied zinc appears to inhibit the replication of the herpes virus and help prevent future outbreaks. Use topical zinc only under a doctor’s supervision.
Cold Sores Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner Zinc preparations have been shown to inhibit the replication of herpes simplex in the test tube.⁷⁶ In one study, people with recurrent herpes simplex infections applied a zinc sulfate solution daily to the sores. After healing occurred, the frequency of applications was reduced to once a week for a month, then to twice a month. During an observation period of 16 to 23 months, none of these people experienced a recurrence of their cold sores.⁷⁷ Zinc oxide, the only commercially available form of zinc for topical application, is probably ineffective as a treatment for herpes simplex.⁷⁸ Other forms of topical zinc can be obtained by prescription, through a compounding pharmacist. However, because an excessive concentration of zinc may cause skin irritation, topical zinc should be used only with the supervision of a doctor knowledgeable in its use. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Crohn’s Disease	25 to 50 mg of zinc (with 2 to 4 mg of copper to avoid depletion) per day	Zinc is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption.
Crohn’s Disease 25 to 50 mg of zinc (with 2 to 4 mg of copper to avoid depletion) per day Crohn’s disease often leads to malabsorption. As a result, deficiencies of many nutrients are common. For this reason, it makes sense for people with Crohn’s disease to take a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement. In particular, deficiencies in zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron have been reported.⁷⁹ ^{, 80} ^{, 81} Zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are all needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Some doctors recommend 25 to 50 mg of zinc (balanced with 2 to 4 mg of copper), 800 mcg of folic acid, and 800 mcg of vitamin B12 daily. Iron status should be evaluated by a doctor before considering supplementation. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Genital Herpes	Apply a topical preparation containing 0.025 to 0.9% zinc several times per day	Applying zinc topically may help prevent outbreaks and has been shown to stop the pain, burning, and tingling of a herpes outbreak.
Genital Herpes Apply a topical preparation containing 0.025 to 0.9% zinc several times per day In a test tube, zinc is capable of inactivating the type of herpes virus responsible for the majority of genital herpes cases.⁸² Topical zinc may therefore help prevent outbreaks of genital herpes. One preliminary study treated people (four of whom had genital herpes) with a 4% zinc sulfate solution applied to the site of the initial outbreak.⁸³ In all cases, the pain, burning, and tingling stopped within 24 hours of beginning the topical zinc therapy. The use of lower concentrations of zinc (0.025–0.05%) has also been shown effective against oral and genital herpes outbreaks.⁸⁴ ^{, 85} While topical zinc has been shown to be helpful, there is no convincing evidence that oral zinc offers the same benefits.⁸⁶ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Hepatitis and Hepatitis C	Take zinc L-carnosine supplying 17 mg zinc twice per day	In a preliminary trial, supplementing with betaine improved signs of liver inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a type of liver inflammation.
Hepatitis and Hepatitis C Take zinc L-carnosine supplying 17 mg zinc twice per day Supplementation with 17 mg of zinc twice a day (in the form of a zinc complex of L-carnosine) enhanced the response to interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, in a preliminary trial.⁸⁷ It is not known whether this benefit was due primarily to the zinc or the carnosine, or whether other forms of zinc would have the same effect.

Used for	Amount	Why
HIV and AIDS Support	12 to 45 mg daily	Zinc levels are frequently low in people with HIV infection. Zinc supplements have been shown to reduce the number of infections in people with AIDS.
HIV and AIDS Support 12 to 45 mg daily Blood levels of both zinc⁸⁸ and selenium⁸⁹ are frequently low in people with HIV infection. Zinc supplements (45 mg per day) have been shown to reduce the number of infections in people with AIDS.⁹⁰ Zinc supplementation (12 mg per day for women, 15 mg per day for men) also slowed the decline in immune function in HIV-infected adults with low blood levels of zinc.⁹¹ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Immune Function and Elderly People	25 mg daily	Zinc supplements have been reported to increase immune function. This effect may be especially important in seniors, according to studies.
Immune Function and Elderly People 25 mg daily Most,⁹² ^{, 93} but not all,⁹⁴ double-blind studies have shown that elderly people have better immune function and reduced infection rates when taking a multiple vitamin-mineral formula. In one double-blind trial, supplements of 100 mcg per day of selenium and 20 mg per day of zinc, with or without additional vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, reduced infections in elderly people, though vitamins without minerals had no effect.⁹⁵ Burn victims have also experienced fewer infections after receiving trace mineral supplements in double-blind research.⁹⁶ These studies suggest that trace minerals may be the most important micronutrients for enhancing immunity and preventing infections in the elderly.

Used for	Amount	Why
Infection	Refer to label instructions	Zinc deficiencies can impair immune function. Supplementing with zinc has been shown to increase immune function in healthy people. Zinc lozenges have been found helpful in against the common cold.
Infection Marginal deficiencies of zinc result in immune function impairments.⁹⁷ In a double-blind study of healthy elderly people, supplementing with 45 mg of zinc per day for one year significantly reduced the frequency of infections.⁹⁸ Some doctors recommend lower amounts of supplemental zinc for people experiencing recurrent infections, such as 25 mg per day for adults and even lower amounts for children (depending on body weight). Zinc lozenges have been found helpful in some studies for the common cold. Long-term zinc supplementation should in most cases be accompanied by a copper supplement in order to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Liver Cirrhosis and Zinc Deficiency	Take under medical supervision: 135 to 215 mg daily	Supplementing with zinc may correct the deficiency common in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and may correct the impaired taste function that people with cirrhosis often experience.
Liver Cirrhosis and Zinc Deficiency Take under medical supervision: 135 to 215 mg daily Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is associated with zinc deficiency.⁹⁹ ^{, 100} In a double-blind trial, zinc acetate supplementation (200 mg three times daily, providing a total of 215 mg of elemental zinc per day), given to cirrhosis patients for seven days, significantly improved portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE).¹⁰¹ A second trial achieved similar results after three months of treatment.¹⁰² People with cirrhosis sometimes have impaired taste function, and it has been suggested that zinc deficiency may be the cause of this abnormality. Although one study demonstrated that taste problems in cirrhosis are due to the disease process itself and not to zinc deficiency,¹⁰³ a double-blind trial showed that 200 mg three times per day of zinc sulfate (providing 135 mg of elemental zinc per day) for six weeks significantly improved taste function in people with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.¹⁰⁴ A doctor should supervise long-term supplementation of zinc in these amounts.

Used for	Amount	Why
Macular Degeneration	45 mg daily (with 1 to 2 mg of copper to protect against depletion)	Two important enzymes in the retina that are needed for vision require zinc. In one trial, zinc supplementation significantly reduced the rate of visual loss in people with macular degeneration.
Macular Degeneration 45 mg daily (with 1 to 2 mg of copper to protect against depletion) Two important enzymes in the retina that are needed for vision require zinc. In a double-blind trial, supplementation with 45 mg of zinc per day for one to two years significantly reduced the rate of visual loss in people with macular degeneration.¹⁰⁵ However, in another double-blind trial, supplementation with the same amount of zinc did not prevent vision loss among people with a particular type of macular degeneration (the exudative form).¹⁰⁶ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Peptic Ulcer	25 to 50 mg daily	Supplementing with zinc may help speed the repair of damaged stomach tissue.
Peptic Ulcer 25 to 50 mg daily Zinc is also needed for the repair of damaged tissue and has protected against stomach ulceration in animal studies.¹⁰⁷ In Europe, zinc combined with acexamic acid, an anti-inflammatory substance, is used as a drug in the treatment of peptic ulcers.¹⁰⁸ In a small controlled trial, high amounts of zinc accelerated the healing of gastric ulcers compared with placebo.¹⁰⁹ Some doctors suspect that such an exceptionally high intake of zinc may be unnecessary, suggesting instead that people with ulcers wishing to take zinc supplements use only 25 to 50 mg of zinc per day. Even at these lower levels, 1 to 3 mg of copper per day must be taken to avoid copper deficiency that would otherwise be induced by the zinc supplementation. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Peptic Ulcer (L-Carnosine)	150 mg of zinc carnosine complex twice per day	Studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid carnosine protects against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers.
Peptic Ulcer 150 mg of zinc carnosine complex twice per day Experimental animal studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid carnosine exerts significant protection against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers.¹¹⁰ ^{, 111} However, because zinc by itself has been shown to be helpful against peptic ulcer, it is not known how much of the beneficial effect was due to the carnosine.¹¹² ^{, 113} Clinical studies in humans demonstrated that this compound can help eradicate H. pylori, an organism that has been linked to peptic ulcer and stomach cancer.¹¹⁴ The amount of the zinc carnosine complex used in research studies for eradication of H. pylori is 150 mg twice daily. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support	Use a prenatal supplement that includes zinc	In one study, women who used a zinc-containing nutritional supplement before and after conception had a 36% decreased chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Use a prenatal supplement that includes zinc In a preliminary study, pregnant women who used a zinc-containing nutritional supplement in the three months before and after conception had a 36% decreased chance of having a baby with a neural tube defect, and women who had the highest dietary zinc intake (but took no vitamin supplement) had a 30% decreased risk.¹¹⁵ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	Deficient zinc levels have been reported in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Some trials have found that supplementing with zinc reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner Deficient zinc levels have been reported in people with RA.¹¹⁶ Some trials have found that zinc reduced RA symptoms,¹¹⁷ but others have not.¹¹⁸ ^{, 119} Some suggest that zinc might only help those who are zinc-deficient,¹²⁰ and, although there is no universally accepted test for zinc deficiency, some doctors check white-blood-cell zinc levels. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Sickle Cell Anemia	Take under medical supervision: 100 mg of zinc (plus 2 mg of copper daily to protect against depletion)	Supplementing with zinc appears to help prevent cell damage and speed healing of leg ulcers associated with sickle cell anemia.
Sickle Cell Anemia Take under medical supervision: 100 mg of zinc (plus 2 mg of copper daily to protect against depletion) Antioxidant nutrients protect the body’s cells from oxygen-related damage. Many studies show that sickle cell anemia patients tend to have low blood levels of antioxidants, including carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C, despite adequate intake.¹²¹ ^{, 122} ^{, 123} ^{, 124} ^{, 125} ^{, 126} Low blood levels of vitamin E in particular have been associated with higher numbers of diseased cells in children¹²⁷ and with greater frequency of symptoms in adults.¹²⁸ A small, preliminary trial reported a 44% decrease in the average number of diseased cells in six sickle cell anemia patients given 450 IU vitamin E per day for up to 35 weeks. This effect was maintained as long as supplementation continued.¹²⁹ In another preliminary trial, 13 patients with sickle cell anemia were given two supplement combinations for seven to eight months each. The first combination included 109 mg zinc, 153 IU vitamin E, 600 mg vitamin C, and 400 ml (about 14 ounces) of soybean oil containing 11 grams of linoleic acid and 1.5 grams of alpha linolenic acid. The second combination included 140 IU vitamin E, 600 mg vitamin C, and 20 grams of fish oil containing 6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Reduction in diseased cells was observed only during the administration of the first protocol. The authors concluded that zinc was the important difference between the two combinations and may be a protector of red blood cell membranes.¹³⁰ Fish oil alone has also been studied. In a double-blind trial, supplementation with menhaden oil, in the amount of 250 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for one year, reduced the frequency of severe pain episodes by approximately 45%, compared with placebo.¹³¹ This treatment may work by correcting an imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that occurs in people with sickle cell anemia.¹³² The zinc deficiency associated with sickle cell anemia appears to play a role in various aspects of the illness. For example, preliminary research has correlated low zinc levels with poor growth in children with sickle cell anemia.¹³³ In a preliminary trial, 12 people with sickle cell anemia received 25 mg of zinc every four hours for 3 to 18 months.¹³⁴ The number of damaged red blood cells fell from 28% to 18.6%. Addition of 2 mg of copper per day did not inhibit the effect of zinc. (Zinc supplementation in the absence of copper supplementation induces a copper deficiency.) Patients with the highest number of damaged red blood cells had a marked response to zinc, but those with lower levels of damaged cells (less than 20% irreversibly sickled cells) had little or no response. Chronic leg ulcers occur in about 75% of adults with sickle cell disease. In a controlled trial, sickle cell patients with low blood levels of zinc received 88 mg of zinc three times per day for 12 weeks.¹³⁵ Ulcer healing rate was more than three times faster in the zinc group than in the placebo group. Zinc supplementation (25 mg 3 times per day for 3 months) also decreased the number of infections in adults with sickle cell anemia.¹³⁶ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Skin Ulcers	Take under medical supervision: 50 mg of zinc (plus 1 to 3 mg of copper daily, to prevent depletion) and apply zinc-containing bandages or tape to the area	Supplementing with zinc may help some types of skin ulcer by facilitating tissue growth.
Skin Ulcers Take under medical supervision: 50 mg of zinc (plus 1 to 3 mg of copper daily, to prevent depletion) and apply zinc-containing bandages or tape to the area Zinc plays an important role in tissue growth processes important for skin ulcer healing. One study reported that patients with pressure ulcers had lower blood levels of zinc and iron than did patients without pressure ulcers,¹³⁷ and preliminary reports suggested zinc supplements could help some types of skin ulcer.¹³⁸ Supplementation with 150 mg of zinc per day improved healing in a preliminary study of elderly patients suffering from chronic leg ulcers.¹³⁹ Double-blind trials using 135 to 150 mg of zinc daily have shown improvement¹⁴⁰ only in patients with low blood zinc levels,¹⁴¹ and no improvement in leg ulcer healing.¹⁴² ^{, 143} A double-blind trial of 150 mg zinc per day in people with skin ulcers due to sickle cell anemia found that the healing rate was almost three times faster in the zinc group than in the placebo group after six months.¹⁴⁴ Lastly, a preliminary study of patients with skin ulcers due to leprosy found that 50 mg of zinc per day in addition to anti-leprosy medication resulted in complete healing in most patients within 6 to 12 weeks.¹⁴⁵ Long-term zinc supplementation at these levels should be accompanied by supplements of copper and perhaps calcium, iron, and magnesium. Large amounts of zinc (over 50 mg per day) should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. Topically applied zinc using zinc-containing bandages has improved healing of leg ulcers in double-blind studies of both zinc-deficient¹⁴⁶ and elderly individuals.¹⁴⁷ Most controlled comparison studies have reported that these bandages are no more effective than other bandages used in the conventional treatment of skin ulcers,¹⁴⁸ ^{, 149} but one controlled trial found non-elastic zinc bandages superior to alginate dressings or zinc-containing elastic stockinettes.¹⁵⁰ Two controlled trials of zinc-containing tape for foot ulcers due to leprosy concluded that zinc tape was similarly effective, but more convenient than conventional dressings.¹⁵¹ ^{, 152} Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Sprains and Strains and Zinc Deficiency	Take under medical supervision: 25 to 50 mg daily ( plus 1 to 3 mg of copper daily, to prevent depletion)	Zinc helps with healing. Even a mild deficiency can interfere with optimal recovery from everyday tissue damage and more serious trauma.
Sprains and Strains and Zinc Deficiency Take under medical supervision: 25 to 50 mg daily ( plus 1 to 3 mg of copper daily, to prevent depletion) Zinc is a component of many enzymes, including some that are needed to repair wounds. Even a mild deficiency of zinc can interfere with optimal recovery from everyday tissue damage as well as from more serious trauma.¹⁵³ Trace minerals, such as manganese, copper, and silicon are also known to be important in the biochemistry of tissue healing.¹⁵⁴ ^{, 155} ^{, 156} ^{, 157} However, there have been no controlled studies of people with sprains or strains to explore the effect of deficiency of these minerals, or of oral supplementation, on the rate of healing.

Used for	Amount	Why
Thalassemia and Zinc Deficiency	If deficient: 22.5 to 90 mg daily	Researchers have reported improved growth rates in zinc-deficient thalassemic children who were given zinc supplements.
Thalassemia and Zinc Deficiency If deficient: 22.5 to 90 mg daily Test tube studies have shown that propionyl-L-carnitine (a form of L-carnitine) protects red blood cells of people with thalassemia against free radical damage.¹⁵⁸ In a preliminary study, children with beta thalassemia major who took 100 mg of L-carnitine per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for three months had a significantly decreased need for blood transfusions.¹⁵⁹ Some studies have found people with thalassemia to be frequently deficient in folic acid, vitamin B12,¹⁶⁰ and zinc.¹⁶¹ ^{, 162} Researchers have reported improved growth rates in zinc-deficient thalassemic children who were given zinc supplements of 22.5 to 90 mg per day, depending on age.¹⁶³ ^{, 164} Magnesium has been reported to be low in thalassemia patients in some,¹⁶⁵ ^{, 166} but not all,¹⁶⁷ studies. A small, preliminary study reported that oral supplements of magnesium, 7.2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, improved some red blood cell abnormalities in thalassemia patients.¹⁶⁸

Used for	Amount	Why
Tinnitus and Zinc Deficiency	Take under medical supervision: 90 mg daily (with 2 or 3 mg per day of copper to prevent depletion)	For people deficient in zinc, supplementing with zinc may help improve their tinnitus.
Tinnitus and Zinc Deficiency Take under medical supervision: 90 mg daily (with 2 or 3 mg per day of copper to prevent depletion) Zinc supplements have been used to treat people who had both tinnitus and hearing loss (usually age-related). Of those who had initially low blood levels of zinc, about 25% experienced an improvement in tinnitus after taking zinc (90–150 mg per day for three to six months).¹⁶⁹ Such large amounts of zinc should be monitored by a doctor. Two controlled clinical trials¹⁷⁰ ^{, 171} found no benefit from zinc supplementation (66 mg per day in one double-blind trial) in people with tinnitus. However, participants in these studies were not zinc deficient. Preliminary research suggests that zinc supplementation is only helpful for tinnitus in people who are zinc deficient.¹⁷² A doctor can measure blood levels of zinc.

Used for	Amount	Why
Type 1 Diabetes	Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner	Supplementing with zinc may lower blood sugar levels and improve immune function in people with type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner People with type 1 diabetes tend to be zinc deficient,¹⁷³ which may impair immune function.¹⁷⁴ Zinc supplements have lowered blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes.¹⁷⁵ Some doctors are concerned about having people with type 1 diabetes supplement with zinc because of a report that zinc supplementation increased glycosylation,¹⁷⁶ generally a sign of deterioration of the condition. This trial is hard to evaluate because zinc supplementation increases the life of blood cells and such an effect artificially increases the lab test results for glycosylation. Until this issue is resolved, those with type 1 diabetes should consult a doctor before considering supplementation with zinc. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Type 2 Diabetes and Zinc Deficiency	15 to 25 mg per day	People with type 2 diabetes tend to be zinc deficient, supplementing with zinc may help restore levels.
Type 2 Diabetes and Zinc Deficiency 15 to 25 mg per day People with type 2 diabetes tend to be zinc deficient,¹⁷⁷ but some evidence indicates that zinc supplementation does not improve their ability to process sugar.¹⁷⁸ Nonetheless, many doctors recommend that people with type 2 diabetes supplement with moderate amounts of zinc (15 to 25 mg per day) as a way to correct the deficit.

Used for	Amount	Why
Warts	Take under medical supervision: 2.25 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weight, up to 135 mg per day	In one study, supplementing with zinc, resulted in complete disappearance of warts in 87% of people treated.
Warts Take under medical supervision: 2.25 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weight, up to 135 mg per day In a double-blind study, supplementation with oral zinc, in the form of zinc sulfate, for two months resulted in complete disappearance of warts in 87% of people treated, whereas none of those receiving a placebo improved.¹⁷⁹ The amount of zinc used was based on body weight, with a maximum of 135 mg per day. Similar results were seen in another double-blind study.¹⁸⁰ These large amounts of zinc should be used under the supervision of a doctor. Side effects included nausea, vomiting, and mild abdominal pain. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Athletic Performance	Refer to label instructions	Exercise depletes zinc, and severe zinc deficiency can compromise muscle function. One trial found that zinc improved muscle strength, and another study of athletes with low zinc levels found that zinc improved red blood cell flexibility during exercise, which could benefit blood flow to the muscles.
Athletic Performance Exercise increases zinc losses from the human body, and severe zinc deficiency can compromise muscle function.¹⁸¹ ^{, 182} Athletes who do not eat an optimal diet, especially those who are trying to control their weight or use fad diets while exercising strenuously, may become deficient in zinc to the extent that performance or health is compromised.¹⁸³ ^{, 184} One double-blind trial in women found that 135 mg per day of zinc for two weeks improved one measure of muscle strength.¹⁸⁵ Whether these women were zinc deficient was not determined in this study. A double-blind study of male athletes with low blood levels of zinc found that 20 mg per day of zinc improved the flexibility of the red blood cells during exercise, which could benefit blood flow to the muscles.¹⁸⁶ No other studies of the effects of zinc supplementation in exercising people have been done. A safe amount of zinc for long-term use is 20 to 40 mg per day along with 1 to 2 mg of copper. Higher amounts should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia	Refer to label instructions	Zinc has been shown to reduce prostate size in some studies. If you are taking 30 mg or more of zinc per day, most doctors recommend adding 2 to 3 mg of copper to avoid deficiency.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Prostatic secretions are known to contain a high concentration of zinc; that observation suggests that zinc plays a role in normal prostate function. In one preliminary study, 19 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia took 150 mg of zinc daily for two months, and then 50 to 100 mg daily. In 74% of the men, the prostate became smaller.¹⁸⁷ Because this study did not include a control group, improvements may have been due to a placebo effect. Zinc also reduced prostatic size in an animal study but only when given by local injection.¹⁸⁸ Although the research supporting the use of zinc is weak, many doctors recommend its use. Because supplementing with large amounts of zinc (such as 30 mg per day or more) may potentially lead to copper deficiency, most doctors recommend taking 2 to 3 mg of copper per day along with zinc. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Childhood Diseases	Refer to label instructions	Zinc is a mineral antioxidant nutrient that the immune system requires. Supplementing with it increases immune activity in people with certain illnesses.
Childhood Diseases Zinc is another mineral antioxidant nutrient that the immune system requires. Zinc deficiency results in lowered immune defenses, and zinc supplementation increases immune activity in people with certain illnesses.¹⁸⁹ As with vitamin A, zinc levels have been observed to fall during the early stages of measles infection and to return to normal several days later.¹⁹⁰ There is evidence that zinc supplements are helpful in specific viral infections,¹⁹¹ ^{, 192} ^{, 193} but there are no data on the effect of zinc on childhood exanthemous infections. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Cystic Fibrosis	Refer to label instructions	The malabsorption produced by cystic fibrosis may adversely affect zinc absorption. Supplementing with zinc can help counteract this deficiency.
Cystic Fibrosis The malabsorption produced by CF may adversely affect mineral absorption as well. Blood concentrations of zinc were low in a group of children with CF.¹⁹⁴ One child with CF was reported to have a severe generalized dermatitis that resolved upon correction of zinc and fatty acid deficiencies by using a formula containing zinc (about 3 mg per day) and medium chain triglycerides (amount not reported).^[REF]In a double-blind trial, supplementation with 30 mg of zinc per day for one year significantly decreased the number of days that children with CF needed antibiotics to treat respiratory infections. The beneficial effect of zinc was more pronounced in children who had low or low–normal plasma zinc levels than in those who had higher levels.¹⁹⁵ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Dermatitis Herpetiformis and Zinc Deficiency	Refer to label instructions	Supplementing with zinc can counteract the nutrient deficiency that often occurs as a result of malabsorption.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis and Zinc Deficiency People with DH frequently have mild malabsorption (difficulty absorbing certain nutrients) associated with low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) and inflammation of the stomach lining (atrophic gastritis).¹⁹⁶ Mild malabsorption may result in anemia¹⁹⁷ and nutritional deficiencies of iron, folic acid,¹⁹⁸ ^{, 199} vitamin B12,²⁰⁰ ^{, 201} and zinc.²⁰² ^{, 203} ^{, 204} More severe malabsorption may result in loss of bone mass.²⁰⁵ Additional subtle deficiencies of vitamins and minerals are possible, but have not been investigated. Therefore, some doctors recommend people with DH have their nutritional status checked regularly with laboratory studies. These doctors may also recommend multivitamin-mineral supplements and, to correct the low stomach acid, supplemental betaine HCl (a source of hydrochloric acid).

Used for	Amount	Why
Ear Infections	Refer to label instructions	Zinc stimulates immune function, so some doctors recommend zinc supplements for people with recurrent ear infections.
Ear Infections Zinc supplements have also been reported to increase immune function.²⁰⁶ ^{, 207} As a result, some doctors recommend zinc supplements for people with recurrent ear infections, suggesting 25 mg per day for adults and lower amounts for children. For example, a 30-pound child might be given 5 mg of zinc per day while suffering from OM. Nonetheless, zinc supplementation has not been studied in people with ear infections. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Gastritis	Refer to label instructions	Zinc is helpful in healing peptic ulcers, which can occur in some types of gastritis.
Gastritis Zinc and vitamin A, nutrients that aid in healing, are commonly used to help people with peptic ulcers. For example, the ulcers of people taking 50 mg of zinc three times per day healed three times faster than those of people who took placebo.²⁰⁸ Since some types of gastritis can progress to peptic ulcer, it is possible that taking it may be useful. Nevertheless, the research does not yet show that zinc specifically helps people with gastritis. The amount of zinc used in this study is very high compared with what most people take (15–40 mg per day). Even at these lower levels, it is necessary to take 1–3 mg of copper per day to avoid a zinc-induced copper deficiency. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Gestational Hypertension	Refer to label instructions	In one study, supplementing with zinc reduced the incidence of gestational hypertension in a group of pregnant Hispanic women who were not zinc deficient.
Gestational Hypertension Zinc supplementation (20 mg per day) was reported to reduce the incidence of GH in one double-blind trial studying a group of low-income Hispanic pregnant women who were not zinc deficient.²⁰⁹ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Goiter and Zinc Deficiency	Refer to label instructions	Deficiencies of zinc can contribute to iodine-deficiency goiter. Supplementing with zinc may help.
Goiter and Zinc Deficiency When iodine deficiency is present, other nutrient levels become important in the development of goiter. Deficiencies of zinc²¹⁰ and manganese²¹¹ can both contribute to iodine-deficiency goiter; however, an animal study found that manganese excess can also be goitrogenic.²¹² It has been suggested that selenium deficiency may contribute to goiter.²¹³ However, when selenium supplements were given to people deficient in both iodine and selenium, thyroid dysfunction was aggravated, and it has been suggested that selenium deficiency may provide some protection when there is iodine deficiency.²¹⁴ ^{, 215} A study of the effects of selenium supplementation at 100 mcg daily in women without selenium deficiency but with slightly low iodine intake found no effect on thyroid function.²¹⁶ The authors concluded that selenium supplementation seems to be safe in people with only iodine deficiency but not in people with combined selenium and iodine deficiencies. In those cases, iodine supplementation has been shown to be most useful.²¹⁷ No studies have been done to evaluate the usefulness of supplementation with zinc or manganese to prevent or treat goiter.

Used for	Amount	Why
Hypoglycemia	Refer to label instructions	Zinc helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well.
Hypoglycemia Research has shown that supplementing with chromium (200 mcg per day)²¹⁸ or magnesium (340 mg per day)²¹⁹ can prevent blood sugar levels from falling excessively in people with hypoglycemia. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has also been found to be helpful for hypoglycemic people.²²⁰ Other nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin B6, may help control blood sugar levels in diabetics.²²¹ Since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, these nutrients might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well, although the amounts needed for that purpose are not known. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Hypothyroidism	Refer to label instructions	In people with low zinc, supplementing with zinc may increased thyroid hormone levels.
Hypothyroidism Laboratory animals with severe, experimentally induced zinc deficiency developed hypothyroidism, whereas moderate zinc deficiency did not affect thyroid function.²²² In a small study of healthy people, thyroid hormone (thyroxine) levels tended to be lower in those with lower blood levels of zinc. In people with low zinc, supplementing with zinc increased thyroxine levels.²²³ One case has been reported of a woman with severe zinc deficiency (caused by the combination of alcoholism and malabsorption) who developed hypothyroidism that was corrected by supplementing with zinc.²²⁴ Although the typical Western diet is marginally low in zinc,²²⁵ additional research is needed to determine whether zinc supplementation would be effective for preventing or correcting hypothyroidism. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Immune Function	Refer to label instructions	Zinc supplements have been reported to increase immune function. Some doctors recommend zinc supplements for people with recurrent infections.
Immune Function Most,²²⁶ ^{, 227} but not all,²²⁸ double-blind studies have shown that elderly people have better immune function and reduced infection rates when taking a multiple vitamin-mineral formula. In one double-blind trial, supplements of 100 mcg per day of selenium and 20 mg per day of zinc, with or without additional vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, reduced infections in elderly people, though vitamins without minerals had no effect.²²⁹ Burn victims have also experienced fewer infections after receiving trace mineral supplements in double-blind research.²³⁰ These studies suggest that trace minerals may be the most important micronutrients for enhancing immunity and preventing infections in the elderly. Zinc supplements have been reported to increase immune function.²³¹ ^{, 232} This effect may be especially important in the elderly according to double-blind studies.²³³ ^{, 234} Some doctors recommend zinc supplements for people with recurrent infections, suggesting 25 mg per day for adults and lower amounts for children (depending on body weight). However, too much zinc (300 mg per day) has been reported to impair immune function.²³⁵ While zinc lozenges have been shown to be effective for reducing the symptoms and duration of the common cold in some controlled studies, it is not clear whether this effect is due to an enhancement of immune function or to the direct effect of zinc on the viruses themselves.²³⁶ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Insulin Resistance Syndrome	Refer to label instructions	Low zinc intake appears to be associated with several of the risk factors common in IRS, and a low blood level of zinc is associated with insulin resistance in overweight people.
Insulin Resistance Syndrome Preliminary studies have reported that low zinc intake is associated with several of the risk factors common in IRS,²³⁷ and a low blood level of zinc is associated with insulin resistance in overweight people.²³⁸ However, people with IRS have not specifically been studied to determine whether they are zinc deficient or whether zinc supplements are helpful for them. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Manganese, Vitamin B6)	Refer to label instructions	Some doctors have reported good results using a combination of zinc, manganese, and vitamin B6 for people with Osgood-Schlatter disease.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease Another group of doctors has reported good results using a combination of zinc, manganese, and vitamin B6 for people with Osgood-Schlatter disease; however, the amounts of these supplements were not mentioned in the report.²³⁹ Most physicians would consider reasonable daily amounts of these nutrients for adolescents to be 15 mg of zinc, 5 to 10 mg of manganese, and 25 mg of vitamin B6. Larger amounts might be used with medical supervision. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Osteoporosis	Refer to label instructions	Supplementing with zinc appears to be helpful in both preventing and treating osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis One trial studying postmenopausal women combined hormone replacement therapy with magnesium (600 mg per day), calcium (500 mg per day), vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, and other nutrients for an eight- to nine-month period.²⁴⁰ In addition, participants were told to avoid processed foods, limit protein intake, emphasize vegetable over animal protein, and limit consumption of salt, sugar, alcohol, coffee, tea, chocolate, and tobacco. Bone density increased a remarkable 11%, compared to only 0.7% in women receiving hormone replacement alone. Levels of zinc in both blood and bone have been reported to be low in people with osteoporosis,²⁴¹ and urinary loss of zinc has been reported to be high.²⁴² In one trial, men consuming only 10 mg of zinc per day from food had almost twice the risk of osteoporotic fractures compared with those eating significantly higher levels of zinc in their diets.²⁴³ Whether zinc supplementation protects against bone loss has not yet been proven, though in one trial, supplementation with several minerals including zinc and calcium was more effective than calcium by itself.²⁴⁴ Many doctors recommend that people with osteoporosis, as well as those trying to protect themselves from this disease, supplement with 10 to 30 mg of zinc per day. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health	Refer to label instructions	Zinc is important for proper immune system function and wound healing. Zinc supplements taken before surgery may prevent zinc deficiency and promote healing.
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health Zinc is a mineral nutrient important for proper immune system function and wound healing.²⁴⁵ One study found most surgery patients recovering at home had low dietary intakes of zinc.²⁴⁶ Low blood levels of zinc have been reported in patients after lung surgery.²⁴⁷ ^{, 248} In one study this deficiency lasted for up to seven days after surgery and was associated with higher risk of pneumonia,²⁴⁹ while another study found an association between post-operative zinc deficiency and fatigue.²⁵⁰ Poor post-operative wound healing is also more common in people with zinc deficiency.²⁵¹ Zinc supplements given to patients before surgery prevented zinc deficiency in one study, but the effect of these supplements on post-surgical health was not evaluated.²⁵² Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Prostatitis	Refer to label instructions	Zinc has antibacterial activity and is a key factor in the natural resistance of male urinary tract infections. Supplementing with it may improve postatitis.
Prostatitis In healthy men, prostatic secretions contain a significant amount of zinc, which has antibacterial activity and is a key factor in the natural resistance of the male urinary tract infection.²⁵⁹ ^{, 260} In CBP²⁶¹ ^{, 262} ^{, 263} ^{, 264} and NBP²⁶⁵ these zinc levels are significantly reduced; however, it is not clear whether this indicates a predisposition to, or is the result of, prostatic infection.²⁶⁶ ^{, 267} Zinc supplements increased semen levels of zinc in men with NBP in one study,²⁶⁸but not in another.²⁶⁹ While zinc supplements have been associated with improvement of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), according to one preliminary report,²⁷⁰ no research has examined their effectiveness for prostatitis. Nonetheless, many doctors of natural medicine recommend zinc for this condition. Learn More

How It Works

How to Use It

Moderate intake of zinc, approximately 15 mg daily, is adequate to prevent deficiencies. Higher levels (up to 50 mg taken three times per day) are reserved for people with certain health conditions, under the supervision of a doctor. For the alleviation of cold symptoms, lozenges providing 13–25 mg of zinc in the form zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, or zinc acetate are generally used frequently but only for several days.

Where to Find It

Good sources of zinc include oysters, meat, eggs, seafood, black-eyed peas, tofu, and wheat germ.

Possible Deficiencies

Zinc deficiencies are quite common in people living in poor countries. Phytate, a substance found in unleavened bread (pita, matzos, and some crackers) significantly reduces absorption of zinc, increasing the chance of zinc deficiency. However, phytate-induced deficiency of zinc appears to be a significant problem only for people already consuming marginally low amounts of zinc.

Even in developed countries, low-income pregnant women and pregnant teenagers are at risk for marginal zinc deficiencies. Supplementing with 25–30 mg per day improves pregnancy outcome in these groups.²⁷¹ ^{, 272}

People with liver cirrhosis appear to be commonly deficient in zinc.²⁷³ This deficiency may be due to cirrhosis-related zinc malabsorption.²⁷⁴

People with Down’s syndrome are also commonly deficient in zinc.²⁷⁵ Giving zinc supplements to children with Down’s syndrome has been reported to improve impaired immunity²⁷⁶ and thyroid function,²⁷⁷ though optimal intake of zinc for people with Down’s syndrome remains unclear.

Children with alopecia areata (patchy areas of hair loss) have been reported to be deficient in zinc.²⁷⁸ ^{, 279}

The average diet frequently provides less than the Recommended Dietary Allowance for zinc, particularly in vegetarians. To what extent (if any) these small deficits in zinc intake create clinical problems remains unclear. Nonetheless, a low-potency supplement (15 mg per day) can fill in dietary gaps. Zinc deficiencies are more common in alcoholics and people with sickle cell anemia, malabsorption problems, and chronic kidney disease.²⁸⁰

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

Zinc competes for absorption with copper, iron,²⁸¹ ^{, 282} calcium,²⁸³ and magnesium.²⁸⁴ A multimineral supplement will help prevent mineral imbalances that can result from taking high amounts of zinc for extended periods of time.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) may increase urinary excretion of zinc.²⁸⁵ Long-term users of NAC may consider adding supplements of zinc and copper.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

	Some medicines may increase the need for this supplement.
	Some medicines interact with this supplement, so they should not be taken together.
	Some interactions between this supplement and certain medicines require more explanation. Click the link to see details.

Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines Index.

	Alclometasone
	Amcinonide
	Amlodipine-Benazepril
	Aspirin
	AZT
	Benazepril
	Bendroflumethiazide
	Betamethasone
	Betamethasone Dipropionate
	Betamethasone Valerate
	Betamethasone, Augmented
	Betamethasone-Calcipotriene
	Bicalutamide
	Budesonide
	Busulfan
	Calcium Acetate
	Capecitabine
	Captopril
	Carboplatin
	Carmustine
	Chlorambucil
	Chlorothiazide
	Chlorthalidone
	Cholestyramine
	Cisplatin
	Cladribine
	Clindamycin
	Clobetasol
	Clocortolone
	Clotrimazole-Betamethasone
	Colesevelam
	Colestipol
	Cyclophosphamide
	Cytarabine
	Desogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol
	Desoximetasone
	Diflorasone
	Docetaxel
	Enalapril
	Erlotinib
	Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide
	Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel
	Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone
	Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate
	Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestrel
	Etoposide
	Fludarabine
	Fluocinonide
	Fluorouracil
	Flurandrenolide
	Folic Acid
	Fosinopril
	Halcinonide
	Halobetasol
	Hydrochlorothiazide
	Hydrocortisone
	Hydroflumethiazide
	Ifosfamide
	Indapamide
	Irinotecan
	Levonorgestrel
	Levonorgestrel-Ethinyl Estrad
	Lisinopril
	Lomustine
	Mechlorethamine
	Melphalan
	Mercaptopurine
	Mestranol and Norethindrone
	Methotrexate
	Methyclothiazide
	Metolazone
	Metronidazole
	Moexipril
	Mometasone
	Norgestimate-Ethinyl Estradiol
	Perindopril
	Polifeprosan 20 with Carmustine
	Polythiazide
	Prednicarbate
	Quinapril
	Ramipril
	Sodium Fluoride
	Streptozocin
	Thioguanine
	Thiotepa
	Trandolapril
	Trichlormethiazide
	Uracil Mustard
	Vinblastine
	Vincristine
	Ciprofloxacin
	Demeclocycline
	Doxycycline
	Methyltestosterone
	Ofloxacin
	Penicillamine
	Risedronate
	Tetracycline
	Warfarin
	Cortisone
	Dexamethasone
	Medroxyprogesterone
	Methylprednisolone
	Minocycline
	Prednisolone
	Prednisone
	Valproate

Side Effects

Zinc intake in excess of 300 mg per day has been reported to impair immune function.²⁸⁶ Some people report that zinc lozenges lead to stomach ache, nausea, mouth irritation, and a bad taste. One source reports that gastrointestinal upset, metallic taste in the mouth, blood in the urine, and lethargy can occur from chronic oral zinc supplementation over 150 mg per day,²⁸⁷ but those claims are unsubstantiated. In topical form, zinc has no known side effects when used as recommended.

Caution: Using zinc nasal spray has been reported to cause severe or complete loss of smell function. In some of those cases, the loss of smell was long-lasting or permanent.²⁸⁸

Preliminary research had suggested that people with Alzheimer’s disease should avoid zinc supplements.²⁸⁹ More recently, preliminary evidence in four patients actually showed improved mental function with zinc supplementation.²⁹⁰ In a convincing review of zinc/Alzheimer’s disease research, perhaps the most respected zinc researcher in the world concluded that zinc does not cause or exacerbate Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.²⁹¹

Zinc inhibits copper absorption. Copper deficiency can result in anemia, lower levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, neurological disorders, and cardiac arrhythmias.²⁹² ^{, 293} ^{, 294} Copper intake should be increased if zinc supplementation continues for more than a few days (except for people with Wilson’s disease).²⁹⁵ Some sources recommend a 10:1 ratio of zinc to copper. Evidence suggests that no more that 2 mg of copper per day is needed to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency. Many zinc supplements include copper in the formulation to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency. Zinc-induced copper deficiency has been reported to cause reversible anemia and suppression of bone marrow.²⁹⁶ In addition, there are case reports of neurologic abnormalities due to copper deficiency occurring in people who had been using large amounts of certain widely available denture creams that contained high concentrations of zinc.²⁹⁷

In a study of elderly people with macular degeneration, supplementing with 80 mg of zinc per day for an average of about six years increased by about 50% the incidence of hospitalizations due to genitourinary causes (such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and urinary retention).²⁹⁸ In that study, copper was also given, but in a form that cannot be absorbed by humans (cupric oxide). The reported adverse effect of zinc may have been due in large part to zinc-induced copper deficiency, which could be prevented by taking copper in a form other than cupric oxide. Nevertheless, it would be prudent for elderly people wishing to take large amounts of zinc to consult with a doctor.

Marginal zinc deficiency may be a contributing factor in some cases of anemia. In a study of women with normocytic anemia (in other words, their red blood cells were of normal size) and low total iron-binding capacity (a blood test often used to assess the cause of anemia), combined iron and zinc supplementation significantly improved the anemia, whereas iron or zinc supplemented alone had only slight effects.²⁹⁹ Supplementation with zinc, or zinc and iron together, has been found to improve vitamin A status among children at high risk for deficiency of the three nutrients.³⁰⁰

References

1. Hillström, L Pettersson L, Hellbe L, et al. Comparison of oral treatment with zinc sulfate and placebo in acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 1977;97:681–4.

2. Verma KC, Saini AS, Dhamija SK. Oral zinc sulphate therapy in acne vulgaris: a double-blind trial. Acta Dermatovener (Stockholm) 1980;60:337–40.

3. Dreno B, Amblard P, Agache P, et al. Low doses of zinc gluconate for inflammatory acne. Acta Dermatovener (Stockholm) 1989;69:541–3.

4. Michaelsson G. Oral zinc in acne. Acta Dermatovener (Stockholm) 1980;Suppl 89:87–93 [review].

5. Michaelsson G, Juhlin L, Ljunghall K. A double blind study of the effect of zinc and oxytetracycline in acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 1977;97:561–6.

6. Cunliffe WJ, Burke B, Dodman B, Gould DJ. A double-blind trial of a zinc sulphate/citrate complex and tetracycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 1979;101:321–5.

7. Berkow R. Merck Manual. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1987, 946.

8. Teksen F, Sayli BS, Aydin A, et al. Antioxidative metabolism in Down syndrome. Biol Trace Elem Res 1998;63:123–7.

9. Kadrabova J, Madaric A, Sustrova M, Ginter E. Changed serum trace element profile in Down’s syndrome. Biol Trace Elem Res 1996;54:201–6.

10. Neve J, Sinet PM, Molle L, Nicole A. Selenium, zinc and copper in Down’s syndrome (trisomy 21): blood levels and relations with glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Clin Chim Acta 1983;133:209–14.

11. Purice M, Maximilian C, Dumitriu I, Ioan D. Zinc and copper in plasma and erythrocytes of Down’s syndrome children. Endocrinologie 1988;26:113–7.

12. Bruhl HH, Foni J, Lee YH, Madow A. Plasma concentrations of magnesium, lead, lithium, copper, and zinc in mentally retarded persons. Am J Ment Defic 1987;92:103–11.

13. Anneren G, Johansson E, Lindh U. Trace element profiles in individual blood cells from patients with Down’s syndrome. Acta Paediatr Scand 1985;74:259–63.

14. Stabile A, Pesaresi MA, Stabile AM, et al. Immunodeficiency and plasma zinc levels in children with Down’s syndrome: a long-term follow-up of oral zinc supplementation. Clin Immunol Immunopathol 1991;58:207–16.

15. Anneren G, Gebre-Medhin M. Trace elements and transport proteins in serum of children with Down syndrome and of healthy siblings living in the same environment. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 1987;41:291–9.

16. Antila E, Nordberg UR, Syvaoja EL, Westermarck T. Selenium therapy in Down syndrome (DS): a theory and a clinical trial. Adv Exp Med Biol 1990;264:183–6.

17. Stabile A, Pesaresi MA, Stabile AM, et al. Immunodeficiency and plasma zinc levels in children with Down’s syndrome: a long-term follow-up of oral zinc supplementation. Clin Immunol Immunopathol 1991;58:207–16.

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193. Kumel G, Schrader S, Zentgraf H, Brendel M. Therapy of banal HSV lesions: molecular mechanisms of the antiviral activity of zinc sulfate. Hautarzt 1991;42:439–45 [review; in German].

194. Krebs NF, Sontag M, Accurso FJ, Hambidge KM. Low plasma zinc concentrations in young infants with cystic fibrosis. J Pediatr 1998;133:761–4.

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198. Gawkrodger DJ, Ferguson A, Barnetson RS. Nutritional status in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis. Am J Clin Nutr 1988;48:355–60.

199. Hoffbrand AV, Douglas AP, Fry L, Stewart JS. Malabsorption of dietary folate (Pteroylpolyglutamates) in adult coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. Br Med J 1970;4:85–9.

200. Davies MG, Marks R, Nuki G. Dermatitis herpetiformis—a skin manifestation of a generalized disturbance in immunity. Q J Med 1978;47:221–48.

201. Kastrup W, Mobacken H, Stockbrugger R, et al. Malabsorption of vitamin B12 in dermatitis herpetiformis and its association with pernicious anaemia. Acta Med Scand 1986;220:261–8.

202. Crofton RW, Glover SC, Ewen SW, et al. Zinc absorption in celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis: a test of small intestinal function. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;38:706–12.

203. Gawkrodger DJ, Ferguson A, Barnetson RS. Nutritional status in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis. Am J Clin Nutr 1988;48:355–60.

204. Hoffbrand AV, Douglas AP, Fry L, Stewart JS. Malabsorption of dietary folate (Pteroylpolyglutamates) in adult coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. Br Med J 1970;4:85–9.

205. Di Stefano M, Jorizzo RA, Veneto G, et al. Bone mass and metabolism in dermatitis herpetiformis. Dig Dis Sci 1999;44:2139–43.

206. Duchateau J, Delespesse G, Vereecke P. Influence of oral zinc supplementation on the lymphocyte response to mitogens of normal subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 1981;34:88–93.

207. Fraker PJ, Gershwin ME, Good RA, Prasad A. Interrelationships between zinc and immune function. Fed Proc 1986;45:1474–9.

208. Frommer DJ. The healing of gastric ulcers by zinc sulphate. Med J Aust 1975;22(21):793–6.

209. Hunt IF, Murphy NJ, Cleaver AE, et al. Zinc supplementation during pregnancy: effects on selected blood constituents and on progress and outcome of pregnancy in low-income women of Mexican descent. Am J Clin Nutr 1984;40:508–21.

210. Ozata M, Salk M, Aydin A, et al. Iodine and zinc, but not selenium and copper, deficiency exists in a male Turkish population with endemic goiter. Biol Trace Elem Res 1999;69:211–6.

211. Kawada J, Nishida M, Yoshimura Y, Yamashita K. Manganese ion as a goitrogen in the female mouse. Endocrinol Jpn 1985;32:635–43.

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217. Zimmermann MB, Adou P, Torresani T, et al. Effect of oral iodized oil on thyroid size and thyroid hormone metabolism in children with concurrent selenium and iodine deficiency. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;3:209–13.

218. Anderson RA et al. Chromium supplementation of humans with hypoglycemia. Fed Proc 1984;43:471.

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223. Hartoma TR, Sotaniemi EA, Maattanen J. Effect of zinc on some biochemical indices of metabolism. Nutr Metab 1979;23:294–300.

224. Weismann K, Roed-Petersen J, Hjorth N, Kopp H. Chronic zinc deficiency syndrome in a beer drinker with a Billroth II resection. Int J Dermatol 1976;15:757–61.

225. Wolf WR, Holden J, Greene FE. Daily intake of zinc and copper from self selected diets. Fed Proc 1977;36:1175.

226. Pike J, Chandra RK. Effect of vitamin and trace element supplementation on immune indices in healthy elderly. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1995;65:117–21.

227. Chandra RK. Effect of vitamin and trace-element supplementation on immune responses and infection in elderly subjects. Lancet 1992;340:1124–7.

228. Chavance M, Herbeth B, Lemoine A, et al. Does multivitamin supplementation prevent infections in healthy elderly subjects? A controlled trial. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1993;63:11–6.

229. Girodon F, Lombard M, Galan P, et al. Effect of micronutrient supplementation on infection in institutionalized elderly subjects: a controlled trial. Ann Nutr Metab 1997;41:98–107.

230. Berger MM, Spertini F, Shenkin A, et al. Trace element supplementation modulates pulmonary infection rates after major burns: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;68:365–71.

231. Duchateau J, Delespesse G, Vereecke P. Influence of oral zinc supplementation on the lymphocyte response to mitogens of normal subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 1981;34:88–93.

232. Fraker PJ, Gershwin ME, Good RA, Prasad A. Interrelationships between zinc and immune function. Fed Proc 1986;45:1474–9.

233. Fortes C, Forastiere F, Agabiti N, et al. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population. J Am Geriatr Soc 1998;46:19–26.

234. Girodon F, Lombard M, Galan P, et al. Effect of micronutrient supplementation on infection in institutionalized elderly subjects: a controlled trial. Ann Nutr Metab 1997;41:98–107.

235. Chandra RK. Excessive intake of zinc impairs immune responses. JAMA 1984;252:1443–6.

236. Macknin ML. Zinc lozenges for the common cold. Cleveland Clin J Med 1999;66:27–32 [review].

237. Singh RB, Niaz MA, Rastogi SS, et al. Current zinc intake and risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease and factors associated with insulin resistance in rural and urban populations of North India. J Am Coll Nutr 1998;17:564–70.

238. Chen MD, Lin PY, Lin WH. Investigation of the relationships between zinc and obesity. Kao Hsiung I Hsueh Ko Hsueh Tsa Chih 1991;7:628–34 [in Chinese].

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240. Abraham GE, Grewal H. A total dietary program emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium. J Reprod Med 1990;35:503–7.

241. Sahap AO. Zinc and senile osteoporosis. J Am Geriatr Soc 1983;31:790–1.

242. Relea P, Revilla M, Ripoll E, et al. Zinc, biochemical markers of nutrition, and type I osteoporosis. Age Ageing 1995; 24:303–7.

243. Elmståhl S, Gullberg B, Janzon L, et al. Increased incidence of fractures in middle-aged and elderly men with low intakes of phosphorus and zinc. Osteoporos Int 1998;8:333–40.

244. Strause L, Saltman P, Smith KT, et al. Spinal bone loss in postmenopausal women supplemented with calcium and trace minerals. J Nutr 1994;124:1060–4.

245. Thomas DR. Specific nutritional factors in wound healing. Adv Wound Care 1997;10:40–3 [review].

246. Stotts NA, Whitney JD. Nutritional intake and status of clients in the home with open surgical wounds. J Community Health Nurs 1990;7:77–86.

247. Yamamoto R, Inoue K, Hori T, et al. Clinical evaluation of changes in serum zinc and copper concentrations around pulmonary operation. Nippon Kyobu Geka Gakkai Zasshi 1994;42:1178–83 [in Japanese].

248. Cordova Martinez A, Escanero Marcen JF. Changes in serum trace elements after surgery: value of copper and zinc in predicting post-operative fatigue. J Int Med Res 1992;20:12–9.

249. Yamamoto R, Inoue K, Hori T, et al. Clinical evaluation of changes in serum zinc and copper concentrations around pulmonary operation. Nippon Kyobu Geka Gakkai Zasshi 1994;42:1178–83 [in Japanese].

250. Cordova Martinez A, Escanero Marcen JF. Changes in serum trace elements after surgery: value of copper and zinc in predicting post-operative fatigue. J Int Med Res 1992;20:12–9.

251. Senapati A, Slavin BM, Thompson RPH. Zinc depletion and complications of surgery. Clinical Nutrition 1990;9:341–6.

252. Hallbook T, Hedelin H. Pre-operative peroral zinc supplementation. Acta Chir Scand 1978;144:63–6.

253. Lazebnik N, Kuhnert BR, Kuhnert PM. Zinc, cadmium, and hypertension in parturient women. J Obstet Gynecol 1989;161:437–40.

254. Cherry FF, Bennett EA, Bazzano GS, et al. Plasma zinc in hypertension/toxemia and other reproductive variables in adolescent pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr 1981;34:2367–75.

255. Simmer K, Iles CA, James C, Thompson RP. Are iron-folate supplements harmful? Am J Clin Nutr 1987;45:122–5.

256. Hunt IF, Murphy NJ, Cleaver AE, et al. Zinc supplementation during pregnancy: effects on selected blood constituents and on progress and outcome of pregnancy in low-income women of Mexican descent. Am J Clin Nutr 1984;40:508–21.

257. Mahomed K, James DK, Golding J, McCabe R. Zinc supplementation during pregnancy: a double-blind randomised controlled trial. BMJ 1989;299:826–9.

258. Jonsson B, Hauge B, Larsen MF, Hald F. Zinc supplementation during pregnancy: a double blind randomised controlled trial. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1996;75:725–9.

259. Colleen S, Mardh PA, Schytz A. Magnesium and zinc in seminal fluid of healthy males and patients with non-acute prostatitis with and without gonorrhoea. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1975;9:192–7.

260. Fair WR, Parrish RF. Antibacterial substances in prostatic fluid. Prog Clin Biol Res 1981;75A:247–64.

261. Lipsky BA. Prostatitis and urinary tract infection in men: what’s new; what’s true? Am J Med 1999;106:327–34 [review].

262. Colleen S, Mardh PA, Schytz A. Magnesium and zinc in seminal fluid of healthy males and patients with non-acute prostatitis with and without gonorrhoea. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1975;9:192–7.

263. Fair WR, Couch J, Wehner N. Prostatic antibacterial factor. Identity and significance. Urology 1976;7:169–77.

264. Kavanagh JP, Darby C, Costello CB. The response of seven prostatic fluid components to prostatic disease. Int J Androl 1982;5:487–96.

265. Marmar JL, Katz S, Praiss DE, DeBenedictis TJ. Semen zinc levels in infertile and postvasectomy patients and patients with prostatitis. Fertil Steril 1975;26:1057–63.

266. Lipsky BA. Prostatitis and urinary tract infection in men: what’s new; what’s true? Am J Med 1999;106:327–34 [review].

267. Neal DE Jr, Kaack MB, Fussell EN, Roberts JA. Changes in seminal fluid zinc during experimental prostatitis. Urol Res 1993;21:71–4.

268. Marmar JL, Katz S, Praiss DE, DeBenedictis TJ. Semen zinc levels in infertile and postvasectomy patients and patients with prostatitis. Fertil Steril 1975;26:1057–63.

269. Fair WR, Couch J, Wehner N. Prostatic antibacterial factor. Identity and significance. Urology 1976;7:169–77.

270. Bush IM, Berman E, Nourkayhan S, et al. Zinc and the prostate. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association Chicago, 1974.

271. Cherry FF, Sandstead HH, Rojas P, et al. Adolescent pregnancy: associations among body weight, zinc nutriture, and pregnancy outcome. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;50:945–54.

272. Goldenberg RL, Tamura T, Neggers Y, et al. The effect of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcome. JAMA 1995;274:463–8.

273. Scholmerich J, Lohla E, Gerok W. Zinc and vitamin A deficiency in liver cirrhosis. Hepatogastroenterology 1983;30:119–25.

274. Karayalcin S, Arcasoy A, Uzunalimoglu O. Zinc plasma levels after oral zinc tolerance test in nonalcoholic cirrhosis. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:1096–102.

275. Stabile A, Pesaresi MA, Stabile AM, et al. Immunodeficiency and plasma zinc levels in children with Down’s syndrome: a long-term follow-up of oral zinc supplementation. Clin Immunol Immunopathol 1991;58:207–16.

276. Björksten B, Back O, Gustavson KH, et al. Zinc and immune function in Down’s syndrome. Acta Paediatr Scand 1980;69:183–7.

277. Bucci I, Napolitano G, Guiliani C, et al. Zinc sulfate supplementation improves thyroid function in hypozincemic Down children. Biol Trace Elem Res 1999;67;257–68.

278. Wollowa F, Jablonska S. Zinc in the treatment of alopecia areata. In: Kobori Y, Montagna W (eds). Biology and Diseases of the Hair. Tokyo: University Park Press, 1976, 305.

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280. Prasad A. Discovery of human zinc deficiency and studies in an experimental human model. Am J Clin Nutr 1991;53:403–12 [review].

281. Dawson EB, Albers J, McGanity WJ. Serum zinc changes due to iron supplementation in teen-age pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;50:848–52.

282. Crofton RW, Gvozdanovic D, Gvozdanovic S, et al. Inorganic zinc and the intestinal absorption of ferrous iron. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;50:141–4.

283. Argiratos V, Samman S. The effect of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate on the absorption of zinc in healthy female subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr 1994;48:198–204.

284. Spencer H, Norris C, Williams D. Inhibitory effects of zinc on magnesium balance and magnesium absorption in man. J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13:479–84.

285. Brumas V, Hacht B, Filella M, Berthon G. Can N-acetyl-L-cysteine affect zinc metabolisms when used as a paracetamol antidote? Agents Actions 1992;36:278–88.

286. Chandra RK. Excessive intake of zinc impairs immune responses. JAMA 1984;252:1443.

287. Shannon M. Alternative medicines toxicology: a review of selected agents. Clin Toxicol 1999;37:709–13

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Last Review: 08-17-2011

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Zinc

Topic Contents

Zinc

Uses

What Are "Star" Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Acne Vulgaris

Acrodermatitis

Down’s Syndrome

Male Infertility and Zinc Deficiency

Night Blindness and Zinc Deficiency

Wilson’s Disease

Wound Healing

Acne Rosacea

Anorexia

Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder

Birth Defects

Bulimia

Canker Sores and Zinc Deficiency

Celiac Disease and Zinc Deficiency

Cold Sores

Crohn’s Disease

Genital Herpes

Hepatitis and Hepatitis C

HIV and AIDS Support

Immune Function and Elderly People

Infection

Liver Cirrhosis and Zinc Deficiency

Macular Degeneration

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic Ulcer

Pregnancy and Postpartum Support

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sickle Cell Anemia

Skin Ulcers

Sprains and Strains and Zinc Deficiency

Thalassemia and Zinc Deficiency

Tinnitus and Zinc Deficiency

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes and Zinc Deficiency

Warts

Athletic Performance

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Childhood Diseases

Cystic Fibrosis

Dermatitis Herpetiformis and Zinc Deficiency

Ear Infections

Gastritis

Gestational Hypertension

Goiter and Zinc Deficiency

Hypoglycemia

Hypothyroidism

Immune Function

Insulin Resistance Syndrome

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Osteoporosis

Pre- and Post-Surgery Health

Prostatitis

How It Works

How to Use It

Where to Find It

Possible Deficiencies

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

Interactions with Medicines

Side Effects

Side Effects

References