ZINC RICH FOODS
• Oysters, liver, lamb, and cheese are high cholesterol foods which should be eaten in moderate amounts and avoided by people at risk of heart disease or stroke.
• Sesame Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Squash Seeds, and Peanuts are high calorie foods and should be eaten in moderate amounts by people with ahigh body mass index.
• Zinc suppliments have adverse reactions with the following medications:
o Antibiotics – Certain antibiotics like quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro®) and tetracycline antibiotics (such as Achromycin® and Sumycin®) inhibit the absorption of zinc in the digestive tract.
o Penicillamine – Zinc reduces the absorption of Penicillamine, which is used by people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Taking zinc suppliments two hours before or after intake of Penicillamine solves this problem.
HEALTH BENEFITS
• Healthy Immune Function – Even mild to moderate zinc deficiency can depress the immune system through impaired macrophage and neutrophil functions, and associated effects.3 Zinc is also essential for creation and activation of T-lymphocytes.4,5 Further, low levels of zinc have been associated with increased susceptibility to pneumonia and other infections in children and the elderly.6-9
• Alleviation of the Common Cold (*Controversial) – There are conflicting studies as to weather or not zinc supplements can alleviate symptoms of the common cold and shorten its duration. At least one study confirms decreased duration of cold symptoms compared to a control,10 however, other studies report no effect.11,12 Since no harm is reported, increasing zinc intake could only help.
• Healing of Cuts and Wounds – Zinc is essential for healthy skin and maintenance of mucosal membranes. Adequate levels of zinc is necessary for proper wound healing.13
• Reduced Severity and Duration of Diarrhea – Studies show that increased intake of zinc can reduce duration and severity of diarrhea in undernourished children with infections.14-17
• Prevention and Reduction of Age-Related Eye Damage – High dietary intake of zinc, as well as vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, has been associated with reduced age-related macular deneration in the edlerly.18
