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Zinc

Zinc

Zinc formulated from Zinc amino acid chelate to help with absorption.

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Zinc is a nutrient that people need to stay healthy. Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. It helps your immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Your body also uses zinc to make DNA (the genetic material in cells) and proteins.  Zinc also helps wounds heal and is important for the proper sense of taste.

Zinc helps:

  • Support skin health and maintain healthy immune system function. 
  • Support skin health and collagen formation 
  • Assist connective tissue production 
  • Support reproductive system health in males (maintains healthy sperm and healthy prostate function) 
  • Maintain general health and wellbeing 
  • Antioxidant, reduces free radicals formed in the body;

*This fact sheet by vivaLAB is for information purposes only and should not take the place of medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Most people get enough zinc from the foods they eat. 

Certain groups of people may have trouble getting enough zinc: 

  • People who have had gastrointestinal surgery, such as weight loss surgery, or people who have digestive disorders, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. These conditions can decrease the amount of zinc that the body absorbs and increase the amount that is lost in urine. 
  • People who follow vegetarian or vegan diets because they do not eat meat, which is a good source of zinc. Also, beans and grains contain phytates that reduce the amount of zinc the body absorbs. Vegetarians and vegans might benefit from taking zinc supplements. 
  • People who have alcohol use disorder, because alcohol reduces the amount of zinc the body absorbs and increases the amount that is lost in urine. Also, people with alcohol use disorder tend to consume lower amounts of nutrients, including zinc.

Zinc deficiency causes diarrhea, slow growth, and loss of appetite in infants and children. Zinc deficiency at any age can cause a loss of taste and smell. In older adults, zinc deficiency can delay wound healing and cause problems with thinking, reasoning, and memory.

Many foods contain zinc. You can get recommended amounts of zinc by eating a variety of foods including the following: 

  • Oysters, which have very high amounts of zinc. 
  • Meat, fish, poultry, seafood such as crab and lobsters,
  • Fortified breakfast cereals are also good sources of zinc. 
  • Beans, nuts, whole grains, eggs, and dairy products provide some zinc.

Zinc dietary supplements can interact or interfere with some medicines you might take. In some cases, medicines can lower zinc levels in your body. 

Here are several examples: 

  • Both quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro) and tetracycline antibiotics (such as Achromycin and Sumycin) might reduce the amount of both zinc and the antibiotic that your body absorbs. To help avoid this interaction, take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, taking a zinc supplement. 
  • Penicillamine is a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Wilson disease. Zinc supplements can reduce the amount of penicillamine that your body absorbs. To help avoid this interaction, take zinc supplements and penicillamine at least 1 hour apart. 
  • Thiazide diuretics, such as chlorthalidone (Hygroton) and hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix and HydroDIURIL) increase the amount of zinc lost in urine. Taking thiazide diuretics for a long time might decrease the amount of zinc in your body.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. If you have any pre-existing conditions, or are on any medications always talk to your health professional before use. Store your daily packs below 25°C in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.