Supplements in practice - Zinc

Question 1

Zinc

Answer 1

The various forms of zinc supplements impact health in distinct ways:

Question 2

Zinc Forms: Zinc gluconate:

Answer 2

One of the most common over-the-counter forms of zinc; often used in cold remedies, such as lozenges and nasal spray. Widely available and cost-effective form.

Question 3

Zinc Forms: Zinc acetate:

Answer 3

Often added to lozenges to reduce cold symptoms and speed up rate of recovery.

Question 4

Zinc Forms: Zinc picolinate:

Answer 4

Best assimilation and absorption but more expensive than citrate or gluconate.

Question 5

Zinc Forms: Zinc citrate:

Answer 5

Absorbed as well as gluconate form but less bitter, with a more appealing taste.

Question 6

Zinc Forms: Zinc sulphate:

Answer 6

Inorganic form may cause stomach irritation and nausea. Absorption better with liquid form and less adverse effects.

Question 7

How to take:

Answer 7

• Zinc is best taken at night on an empty stomach, or at least one hour before, or two hours after meals. If zinc supplements cause stomach upset, they may be taken with a meal

Question 8

Caution:

Answer 8

• Nasal sprays may be linked with loss of smell (anosmia).

Question 9

Zinc adverse reactions:

Answer 9

• High doses of zinc (100-150mg daily) will inhibit copper metabolism and cause low copper levels. Some zinc supplements include copper to counteract this effect.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.

Question 10

Drugs interactions:

Answer 10

• Antibiotics (take the antibiotic at least two hours before or four–six hours after taking zinc), and penicillamine. Aspirin (3 grams per day) and PPIs reduce zinc absorption. Thiazide diuretics increase excretion of zinc by at least 60%.
• Always check your drug / herb / nutrient interactions guide. www.theanp.co.uk/herb-drug-nutrient