Content Overview:Zinc is a mineral that is important to the body for many reasons. Zinc keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds and supports normal growth. Zinc deficiency is common in developing countries. In this article of"mybiopedia.com" we will list the beneficial properties of this mineral and everything you need to know about it.
How long to drink zinc
Your body does not need a large amount of zinc. The recommended daily dose for adults is 8-11 mg. It is common to have a slightly reduced zinc content, but taking a multivitamin and eating a healthy diet should provide you with all the zinc you need.
It is rare for people in industrialized countries to have a serious zinc deficiency. Low zinc levels are sometimes seen in the elderly, alcoholics, people with anorexia, and people on very restricted diets. People with malabsorption syndromes, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, may also have zinc deficiency.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency include loss of appetite, poor growth, weight loss, lack of taste or smell, poor wound healing, skin problems such as acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, hair loss, lack of menstrual periods, night blindness, white spots on nails and depression.
What is zinc drunk for
Zinc has become a popular remedy for the common cold. Some studies have found that drinking zinc in the form of sucking tablets can reduce the duration of a cold, by about a day, and reduce the number of upper respiratory tract infections.
Zinc helps fight infections and heal wounds. However, if you already get enough zinc from the food you eat, it is not clear whether drinking zinc in supplement form is beneficial.
Topical zinc is used to treat diaper rash and skin irritations. It has also been shown to be good to drink zinc for ulcers, ADHD, acne, sickle cell anemia and other diseases.
Additionally, zinc has been studied as a treatment for herpes, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, and more. However, the evidence for zinc's benefit in these conditions is not conclusive.
How to take zinc
To avoid stomach irritation, take zinc with food. For the common cold, zinc sucking tablets are usually taken every 2 to 3 hours within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
After that, take zinc sucking tablets every 2 to 3 hours while awake until the symptoms are gone. Zinc supplements are available in tablet and liquid form.
Can you get zinc naturally from foods? Good dietary sources of zinc are:
- Red meat- pork, veal;
- Poultry meat- chicken, turkey;
- Oysters;
- Fortified cereals; Cereals;
- Whole grains; Fortified grains;
- Beans and nuts.
It is interesting to note the result of a study that proves that zinc intake late at night can help people achieve better quality sleep.
According to a double-blind randomized controlled trial on intensive care unit nurses, for example, found that nurses reported improved sleep quality after taking 220-milligram capsules of zinc sulfate - about 50 mg of zinc - every 72 hours for a month.
How much zinc do you need?
Men need 11 milligrams of zinc per day and women need 8 milligrams per day. Pregnant or breastfeeding women often need about 11-12 milligrams daily.
Note that zinc needs change in childhood and adolescence:
- Babies ages 0 to 6 months need 2 milligrams per day;
- Infants ages 7 months to 3 years need 3 milligrams per day;
- Children ages 4 to 8 years need 5 milligrams daily;
- Children ages 9 to 13 years need 8 milligrams daily;
- Teens ages 14 to 18 need 9 milligrams per day;
- Teenage boys ages 14 to 18 need 11 milligrams per day.
What to watch out for in zinc intake?
Side effects
Zinc supplements can irritate the stomach and mouth. Zinc lozenges can change your sense of smell and taste for several days. If taken for a long time, zinc sucking tablets can lower copper levels in the body. Zinc nasal sprays are associated with a loss of sense of smell that may be permanent.
Interactions
Zinc can interact with certain medications, such as birth control pills and some antibiotics. Zinc may also interact with other supplements, such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron. If you take daily medications or supplements, ask your doctor about taking zinc.
Risks
People who are allergic to zinc, have HIV or hemochromatosis and should not take zinc supplements without first consulting their doctor.
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