There is a very fine balance between zinc and copper during intestinal absorption. Zinc reduces the amount of copper your body absorbs because copper competes with zinc to bind with metallothionein, the binding protein that brings zinc into the intestinal cells. The ratio of zinc: copper is arguably more important than the concentration of either copper or zinc, and a common problem is excessive copper in water from copper pipes or copper cookware. Type 2 diabetes: Increasing the amount of magnesium in the diet might reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Magnesium helps break down sugars and might decrease insulin resistance. Metallothioneins are also examples of proteins with a zinc-binding motif. They are small metal-binding cysteine-rich proteins with a high affinity for zinc. They work together with zinc transporters, regulating free zinc concentrations in thecytosol, as described in THE PHYSIOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL, AND MOLECULAR ROLES OF ZINC TRANSPORTERS IN ZINC HOMEOSTASIS AND METABOLISM .

There are several types of zinc supplements. Limited research suggests that some forms, such as zinc picolinate and zinc citrate, may be better absorbed than others, like zinc oxide. However, more recent studies are needed ( 3, 4). Dosage Caruso TJ, Prober CG, Gwaltney JM. Treatment of naturally acquired common colds with zinc: a structured review. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;45(5):569-74. The main regulatory mechanisms for human zinc homeostasis are absorption and excretion [ 3], and the small intestine, pancreas, and liver play central roles in its maintenance [ 3]. Endogenous zinc is continuously excreted into the intestinal lumen, from which parts are reabsorbed [ 3], while the remainder, varying between 0.8 and 2.7 mg zinc/d, is excreted with feces [ 31, 32, 33, 34]. Thus, the close interplay of absorption of exogenous zinc as well as the excretion and reabsorption of endogenous zinc provides a stable balance of body zinc homeostasis. The latter is maintained over a wide range of exogenous zinc intakes [ 3, 35, 36, 37, 38]. In zinc-deficient states, fecal and urinal zinc losses are rapidly decreasing [ 31, 39, 40]. Only when these mechanisms fail to sustain zinc-requiring processes, plasma zinc declines [ 35, 40]. This is followed by a reduction of the less exchangeable zinc from tissues such as liver, testes, and bones [ 5, 41]. Consequently, the plasma zinc level itself is not a reliable biomarker for body zinc status [ 5, 27], especially since it also changes during inflammation [ 42] in response to stress or even after a meal [ 5].

Report an Issue

Life Extension Enhanced Zinc Lozenges contain 18.75 mg of zinc acetate, a form of zinc that has been shown to shorten the duration of colds by up to 40%, though the research is mixed ( 8, 9). Studies involving a direct comparison of the bioavailability of different forms of zinc in humans are few. The important fact is that the form of zinc needs to become dissociated into zinc ions, which then bind to ligands (proteins) that transport the zinc into the cells of the small intestine. There are specific transport proteins that carry zinc across the cell membrane into the portal circulation where it is transported directly to the liver before being released into the circulation for delivery to all tissues. Zinc homeostasis is tightly controlled at the whole body, tissue, cellular, and subcellular levels by a number of proteins, with zinc transporters being particularly important. In blood, the major product of oxidative metabolism, CO2, reacts with water in the presence of carbonic anhydrase to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which is relatively unstable and tends to dissociate and generate H+ and HCO3. The enzyme responsible for this is a zinc dependent enzyme is known as Carbonic Anhydrase and studies have shown that dietary deficiency of zinc reduces red blood cell carbonic anhydrase activity. Zinc is a mineral found in every cell of the human body. This most present mineral, after iron, is a vital nutrient and plays a crucial role in cell development and gene expression. The mineral is used for the chemical activity of approximately 100 enzymes. Note: These EU health claims apply where a food is at least a source of zinc as per Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Such amounts can be easily consumed as part of a balanced diet. The target population is the general population. Zinc and Gut Health

Existing zinc status of the individual. The lower the zinc status of the individual, the greater the absorption of zinc. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use zinc without first talking to your health care provider. Al-Maroof RA, Al-Sharbatti SS. Serum zinc levels in diabetic patients and effect of zinc supplementation on glycemic control of type 2 diabetics. Saudi Med J. 2006 Mar;27(3):344-50 One full dropper provides 15 mg of zinc sulfate, a form of zinc that has been shown to help prevent zinc deficiency, reduce symptoms of severe acne, and possibly help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration ( 6, 7).

How Much Zinc Do You Need?

The conversion of retinol to retinaldeyde (retinal) is regulated by zinc via the zinc-dependent enzyme, retinol dehydrogenase, making it very important for eye health. The conversion of retinol to retinal is a critical step in the visual cycle in the retina of the eye. Zinc is believed, according to this article on zinc and the eye, to affect photoreceptor plasma membranes, regulate the light-rhodopsin reaction, modulate synaptic transmission, and act as an antioxidant. Zinc is necessary to maintain normal concentrations of vitamin A in the plasma, being essential for normal mobilization of Vitamin A from the liver. Zinc deficiency decreases the synthesis of Retinol Binding protein (RBP) in the liver leading to lower levels of RBP in the plasma. It influences the absorption, transport and utilisation of Vitamin A. Zinc is also required for the enzyme Alcohol dehydrogenase, responsible for converting retinol to retinal, essential for eye function. Zinc is found in many food items that you probably consume on a daily or at least weekly basis. Foods rich in zinc include: