Zinc (Zn) is a mineral and the supplements are mainly in the form of Zinc Acetate, Zinc gluconate or Zinc sulfate. Zinc deficiency results in a leaky gut disease and immune issues. Zinc is found throughout the human body and in the cells, where it plays the role of defense or immunity in the body. Zinc is also used in the division of cells, growth of the cells, healing of the wounds, senses of taste and smell and in the breakdown of the carbohydrates.
Zinc supplements are used in managing deficiency of zinc in the human body, thereby doing away with stunted growth, slow rate in the healing of the wounds and in managing acute diarrhea in children. Zinc supplements are also necessary in boosting the overall immune system, managing common cold, deterring recurrent ear infections and in reducing chances of respiratory infections. Zinc supplements in addition make the human body immune from diseases caused by parasites such as malaria.
Zinc is also used in managing muscular degeneration, which is an eye condition. It is also used in managing cataracts and night blindness. In addition, zinc is also used in managing high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and some skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema.
Zinc is also useful in the management of ADHD (Attention Deficient – Hyperactivity Disorder), Hypogeusia (blunted sense in tasting), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), treating head injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, Hansen’s disease, Down Syndrome, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis and nervosa. Nervosa is a condition with people trying to manage their weight where zinc supplements allows gain of weight for people with eating disorders.
Zinc is also used in managing BPH (Prostrate Hyperplasia), infertility in men, ED (Erectile Dysfunction), osteoporosis or weak bones, rheumatoid arthritis and muscle cramps linked to the liver disease. Zinc is also used in managing sickle cell disease and health disorders that are inherited such as thalassemia, acrodermatitis enteropathica and the Wilson’s disease. Zinc is also used by athletes in enhancing their general performances. Zinc is also used in managing aging skin, acne and infections related to herpes simplex. Zinc is also sprayed directly on the nosestrils in managing common cold.
Zinc sulfate is used in managing irritation in the eyes, whereas zinc citrate is used in preventing gingivitis and plague formain in the human teeth, it is put in the mouthwash and toothpaste for the same purposes.
Zinc adds value to the human body, mainly in enhancing an immune system, it also allows for correct synthesize of the DNA and allows promotion of healthy growth in children and in the healing of the wounds.
Zinc is soluble to water salts in the form of gluconate, acetate and sulfate, where it is used as supplements in the form of syrup or tablets. The supplements are used in doing away with zinc deficiency and in treating diarrhea, mainly in children.
The amount of zinc needed in each and every day depends on the age of the person.
| Age | Recommended Dosage in Mg |
| 0 – 6 Months | 2 |
| 7 – 12 months | 3 |
| 1 – 3 years | 3 |
| 4 – 8 years | 5 |
| 9 – 13 years | 8 |
| 14 – 18 years boys | 11 |
| 14 – 18 years girls | 9 |
| Adults men | 11 |
| Adults Women | 8 |
| Pregnant Teens | 12 |
| Pregnant Women | 11 |
| Breastfeeding Teens | 13 |
| Breastfeeding Women | 12 |
There are side effects related to zinc supplements, they are linked to chilling, fever, sores or ulcers in the throat or mouth, heartburn, nausea, indigestion, general weakness and tiredness.