Features of the absorption of zinc. Zinc. vital element

This substance is necessary for the enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, for wound healing and for maintaining the hormonal balance of the body. Zinc (Zn) is an essential element that ensures the reliable functioning of the immune system. Many people get insufficient amounts of this vital substance.

Composition and form of release

Release forms

• Tablets
• flat cakes
• Capsules
• Liquid

pharmachologic effect

This mineral is involved in the accumulation of histamine in the body and is the main component of a number of enzymes, including ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), as well as carbonic anhydrase. The latter plays a key role in the process of respiration.

In the blood, carbon dioxide under the influence of carbonic anhydrase is converted into bicarbonate gas and hydrogen ions, which are excreted from the body through the lungs and kidneys. This process is an integral part of the body's system of getting rid of carbon dioxide and maintaining a normal acid-base balance. Zinc is generally non-toxic. Cases of its overabundance in the body were not observed.

Zinc is essential for every cell in the body. It is concentrated in muscles, bones, skin, kidneys, liver, pancreas, eyes and prostate. The human body cannot produce this element and therefore depends entirely on its external sources.

Impact on the human body

The element plays an important role in hundreds of processes in the body, from cell growth, puberty and immune responses to the formation of taste and smell sensations. Therefore, every person taking daily multivitamin and mineral supplements should make sure that they contain Zn. In special conditions, supplements containing only this element may be prescribed.

Studies have shown zinc to be effective in treating a wide range of ailments and disorders, including acne, childhood malnutrition, gastrointestinal conditions, and leg ulcers. There is scientific evidence for its use in dental problems, herpes, impaired taste and smell, and Wilson's disease. The element has a positive effect on the activity of various hormones, including sex hormones and thyroid hormones. It appears to increase fertility in both women and men.

Prevention of diseases with the use of zinc

An element necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system can take part in protecting the body from colds, flu, conjunctivitis and other infections. Observations of 100 patients in the initial stages of colds showed that those who sucked zinc lozenges every 2-3 hours recovered about 3 days earlier than those whose lozenges contained placebo. These same cakes can accelerate the healing of herpetic sores and help with sore throats. Preliminary studies have shown that the substance may help with cancer, diseases of the central nervous system, diabetes, papillomatosis, kidney disease, leprosy, menopausal symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis and sickle cell anemia in adults.

Indications for the use of Zinc

This chemical element is necessary for the implementation of enzymatic reactions: without it, the function of more than 200 enzymes will be impaired. It is present in all cells of the body and ensures the normal activity of many hormones. There is a lot of this substance in the skin and in the hair, the health of which it maintains along with vitamin A and sulfur. It contributes to the normalization of the function of enzymes that break down damaged collagen fibers, and is involved in the formation of new ones.

In addition, Zn strengthens the immune system. The presence of white spots on the nail plate indicates a deficiency of zinc in the body.

• To strengthen the immune system and fight various infections
• To maintain fertility
• For malnutrition in childhood
• For leg ulcers and herpetoid sores
• With violations of taste and smell, accompanying some diseases of the oral cavity
• For skin diseases and digestive disorders

Contraindications

• Do not take high doses. Long-term intake of doses above 100 mg per day may impair immunity. This may impair the absorption of copper, which leads to anemia.
• Zinc supplementation may alter the absorption and effectiveness of drugs such as tetracycline, captopril, pancreatic enzymes, thiazide diuretics, and vitamin A and niacin. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using them together.
• If you are sick, check with your doctor before taking these supplements.

Side effects

Possible side effects associated with the use of large doses include nausea, vomiting, intestinal cramps, hepatitis, liver failure, intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, various types of anemia, and an increased incidence of respiratory infections in children.

Large doses of Zn affect the absorption of iron and copper. Zinc must be taken with food to prevent stomach irritation. People with liver damage or stomach problems should check with their doctor before taking zinc supplements. The results of a number of studies conducted over the past few years suggest a link between zinc and Alzheimer's disease. One study found that Zn improved the mental performance of Alzheimer's patients. However, until the effect of zinc on Alzheimer's disease is fully understood, people with this diagnosis and those who have an increased risk of this disease should refrain from supplementing with zinc.

Instructions for use

Method and dosage

15-50mg per day (taken with copper, for a zinc to copper ratio of 10:1). The daily recommended dose is 15 mg for men and 12 mg for women. Coffee drinkers should take zinc supplements at least an hour or two hours after a cup of coffee, as coffee reduces the body's ability to absorb Zn by 50%.

Maximum safe dose with its long-term use is 15 mg; 50 mg is safe for short-term use, although doses of 50 mg or more should be taken only under the direction and supervision of a physician. Supplements above 150 mg per day suppress the immune system and may cause other side effects.

Solubility: Insoluble in water.

Dosage:

• As a general supplement, 30 mg per day.
• For acne, 135 mg daily or 1.2% topical ointment
• For gastrointestinal diseases - 300 mg of zinc acexamate per day.
• For infertility - 50 mg per day.
• For leg ulcers, 660 mg of zinc sulfate per day.
• For taste disorders - 100 mg per day
• With Wilson's disease - 150 mg per day.
• For common cold - 10-23 mg in the form of lozenges every 2 hours, but not more than 150 mg per day. Children should take 10 mg per day or 1 mg per 1 kg of body weight
• In case of malnutrition in children - 10 mg per day or 1 mg per 1 kg of body weight.
• For topical use: acne - 1.2% zinc ointment.
• For teeth 0.5% zinc citrate. Herpes 0.3% zinc ointment

• Take the medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If it causes stomach irritation, take it with a low-fiber meal.
• Do not take iron and zinc supplements at the same time
• Take Zinc no earlier than 2 hours after taking antibiotics
• Taking Zn for more than 1 month may interfere with copper absorption, so for every 30mg of zinc, add 2mg of copper.
• Absorption of the drug may be impaired by foods rich in phosphorus, calcium, or plant fibers, such as milk, cheese, poultry, and bran.

Other sources Rich in proteins. It is abundant in beef, pork, liver, poultry meat (especially dark), eggs and seafood (especially oysters). Other sources include cheese, beans, nuts, and wheat germ, but the element from these foods is more difficult to digest than from meat.

Method and dosage of zinc sulfate

Zinc sulfate is a preparation of inorganic nature.

Dosage forms: Produced in the form of a powder and a 0.25% solution in 10 ml bottles and 1.5 ml dropper tubes (eye drops) in a package of 2 pieces.

Medicinal properties: The drug has antiseptic and astringent properties.

Indications for use: It is prescribed for inflammatory diseases of the conjunctiva of the eyes (conjunctivitis), the mucous membrane of the larynx (laryngitis), the urethra (urethritis) and the vagina (vaginitis).

Instructions for use: When conjunctivitis is instilled into the eye, 1-2 drops of a 0.25% solution of the drug 2-4 times a day. With laryngitis, a 0.25-0.5% solution is used to spray or lubricate the mucous membrane of the larynx. With urethritis or vaginitis, douching is carried out with a 0.1-0.5% solution.

Side effects and complications: Not identified.

Contraindications: Not installed.

Storage: The drug is stored under normal conditions. The shelf life of the powder is unlimited, the solution in vials is 2 years, in tube-droppers - 2.5 years.

Method and dosage of zinc oxide

Applied as needed. The drug is applied to the affected surfaces and to those areas of the skin that need to be protected from exposure to sunlight.

Start of action As a sunscreen - immediate. As an antiseptic - is unknown.

Duration of action As a sunscreen - as long as the drug is applied to the skin. As an antiseptic - unknown.

If the reception is missed If you forgot to apply before sun exposure, apply ointment as soon as you remember. For skin lesions, follow the recommendations given by your doctor.

Discontinuation of the drug You can stop using the product if you no longer need it or your skin condition improves.

special instructions: For sun protection, Zinc should be applied before sun exposure and reapplied every 1-2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating, and after eating and drinking. Protect your eyes from getting the drug. Special precautions should be taken when standing on reflective surfaces (sand, water, concrete).

Precautionary measures

Zinc may be of particular benefit to the elderly, who are often deficient in this nutrient, a study of 118 relatively healthy patients from a nursing home in Rome showed. Those who took 25 mg of the drug for 3 months showed an improvement in the state of the immune system. Researchers believe that Zn can revive the activity of the thymus gland, which produces immune cells.

Studies have shown that zinc is excreted in sweat and urine during exercise. Perhaps that is why moderate loads stimulate the immune system, and excessive ones lead to its decrease. Vegetarians may be deficient in the element. For them, a good source of the element can be almonds, which contain about 6 mg of Zn per 100 g (half the recommended daily dose for men).

The following foods are most rich in this mineral: oysters, ginger root, pecans, shelled peas, Brazil nuts, egg yolk, whole grain wheat, rye, oats, peanuts, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, sardines, chicken meat, shellfish, tuna, haddock and shrimp. The recommended daily allowance is 15-20 mg.

The body's need for zinc

Zinc Deficiency Symptoms These include white spots, streaks or opacity on the nails, loss of taste, smell and appetite, delayed sexual development during adolescence, underdevelopment of the penis and insufficient growth of body hair in boys, irregular menstruation in girls, infertility and impaired reproductive function in adults, poor wound healing, hair loss, increased susceptibility to infection, decreased salivation, skin lesions, stretch marks, reduced nutrient absorption, delayed bone, muscle and nervous system development, offspring defects, dwarfism.

Signs of Zinc Deficiency Severe deficiencies are rare, but mild deficiencies can lead to delayed wound healing, increased colds and flu, changes in taste and smell, and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Deficiency can change blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes, as well as lead to a decrease in sperm count.

Signs of excess zinc Long-term use of more than 100 mg per day disrupts the immune system and reduces the level of "good" cholesterol. Doses greater than 200 mg per day may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Price in pharmacies

The price of Zinc in different pharmacies can vary significantly. This is due to the use of cheaper components and the pricing policy of the pharmacy chain.

Read the official information about the Zinc preparation, the instructions for use of which include general information and a treatment regimen. The text is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Instruction

Taking drugs based on or containing zinc is indicated for disorders of the immune system, for colds and viral infections, for impotence and prostate adenoma, for chronic. And also to activate metabolism, to renew cells, to heal wounds, ulcers, fractures, cuts, to improve memory and the thought process, especially in old age, to normalize the functioning of the genital organs. The intake of zinc preparations is especially indicated during the first trimester, when there is an intensive formation of the fetus and its vital organs.

For the normal functioning of the whole organism, a person needs 10-20 mg of zinc daily. It is very difficult to obtain such an amount of a microelement from foods, especially for the absorption of zinc it is required to take vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus. Such a composition complements each other and enhances the effect of each substance, so the pharmaceutical industry produces zinc preparations in this composition.

For taking zinc capsules, read the annotation, as doses can be completely different. Focus on the daily dose for - 10-20 mg. If the trace element is used in, then 20 mg should be taken, in prophylactic - 10 mg. Like all minerals, zinc is best absorbed when taken immediately after or during meals.

As part of vitamin-mineral complexes for the treatment of various diseases and conditions associated with a lack of vitamins or minerals, as well as after serious illnesses and after the use of antibiotics, take 1 tablet or 1 capsule of the drug 2 times a day after meals.

When taking zinc supplements, you should completely abandon alcohol, pills, hormonal drugs, limit the use of salty and sweet foods, coffee and tea.

Instruction

The daily intake of zinc for is 5-20 mg. Zinc is involved in the renewal of skin cells. Taking part in the formation of collagen, it increases elasticity and prevents the early appearance of wrinkles. Zinc reduces signs of allergies. By regulating sebum secretion, zinc reduces acne and inflammation, heals microcracks and herpetic skin lesions.

Zinc is involved in protein synthesis and regulates hair and nail growth. Prevents breakage and dryness. This microelement helps the body cope with nervous strain and stress. With a sufficient amount of zinc in the body, the symptoms of PMS practically disappear in women and the production of the hormone serotonin is stimulated. Acting as a stimulator of the DNA synthesis process, zinc is involved in the construction of new body tissues and cell renewal.

This trace element helps the immune system, increases the body's defenses and contributes to the destruction of viruses and bacteria. It can be used and ingested both externally in the form of ointments and powders, and with the use of food rich in this microelement. Zinc affects the condition of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Reducing inflammatory processes in these organs.

Zinc improves brain function by stimulating the departments responsible for memory and attention. Increases overall mental performance. The level of this trace element in active, cheerful and successful people is noticeably higher than in those who are lagging behind. In combination with vitamin A, zinc strengthens the retina of the eye, improving vision and increasing resistance to heavy loads.

As well as the ability to concentrate. According to recent studies, taking zinc tablets can even help relieve flu symptoms and speed up recovery.

Zinc deficiency leads to hair loss (including eyebrows and eyelashes), dry hair and early graying, reduced ability to taste food and smells, delayed wound healing, attention deficit disorder, blurred vision and cataracts, acne and dry skin, weakened immune system.

Perhaps the most surprising fact is the importance of zinc for eye health. Household wisdom says that vitamins A and C are enough for eye health, but it turns out that zinc plays an important role in the transfer of vitamin A from the liver to the retina of the eyes and the formation of melanin (not to be confused with melatonin, which is responsible for healthy sleep), the protective pigment of the eyes. . Studies show that the so-called "age-related visual impairment" is partly due to a long-term deficiency of zinc in the body.

Different chemical compounds of zinc are absorbed differently

A common mistake is to think that our body fully absorbs the vitamins and minerals that we consume in the form of dietary supplements. Zinc is one of the most poorly absorbed micronutrients, and different zinc compounds are absorbed differently. Therefore, be sure to look at the label when choosing dietary supplements with zinc and compare prices - as a rule, poorly absorbed compounds are cheaper, but based on the actual dose of zinc that you receive, you will not benefit from buying a cheap drug at all.

Zinc citrate (61.3%), zinc picolinate, zinc acetate and zinc gluconate (60.9%) are best absorbed.

Zinc oxide absorption is lower (49.9%), and even zero in some people (source: Wegmüller et al., The Journal of Nutrition, February 2014, 144(2):132-6).

What is the optimal daily dose of zinc?

The upper safe limit for adults is 40 mg of elemental zinc per day, but the recommended daily intake for adults is much lower: 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. If you are actively involved in sports, then the required daily dose can increase to 35 mg per day, depending on the level of stress.

• High doses of zinc weaken the immune system; can cause headache, loss of muscle coordination, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations and anemia.
• Different zinc compounds contain different amounts of elemental zinc. For example, for 10 mg of zinc gluconate, there is only 1.43 mg of elemental zinc. Pay attention to the label or the "Ingredients" section of the instructions for the drug.

What drinks and foods should you not take zinc with?

As in the case of any vitamin and mineral supplements, it is recommended to drink zinc with water or juice, but in no case with tea, coffee, alcohol, etc. For example, taking zinc sulfate with coffee instead of water reduces the absorption of zinc by half.

It is also known that phytates (substances found in cereals) significantly impair the absorption of zinc, i.e. try not to take zinc with baked goods and cereals.

If possible, add olive oil to the food you take zinc with - it improves the absorption of some minerals, including zinc.

How do other trace elements in dietary supplements affect the absorption of zinc?

As part of some vitamin-mineral complexes with zinc, you may notice a small amount of copper. The fact is that taking zinc reduces the absorption of copper in the body, so it is recommended to take 2 mg of copper per day to neutralize this negative effect (or take a multivitamin that contains copper).

Zinc intake can also reduce the absorption of calcium supplements, but this problem can be solved by shifting calcium intake to the evening and taking zinc in the morning. Or take dietary supplements that contain both zinc and an increased dose of calcium.

Zinc also interferes with the absorption of iron supplements, but according to studies, this problem is solved by taking supplements containing these micronutrients with food.

In accordance with other studies, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) improves the absorption of zinc, i.e. taking zinc as part of a multivitamin, along with B vitamins, or along with foods rich in B12 (liver, fish, red meat, cheese, etc.) is a good idea.

Do you need to take zinc supplements?

There is quite a lot of zinc in red meat (on average, 30% of the daily intake per 100g of lean meat) and poultry meat (10% of the daily intake per 100g), crab, vitamin and mineral fortified breakfast cereals, pumpkin seeds (to get a daily dose of zinc, you need to eat almost a full cup).

A little (on average, only a few percent of the daily dose per 100g of product) of zinc is found in legumes, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products. Those. this means that in order to get your daily dose of zinc, you need to consume a very large amount of these foods, which, in turn, can be harmful to the body or too expensive. Moreover, legumes and grains also contain components that impair the absorption of zinc (for example, phytates).

If these foods are not included in your diet at all or you are not eating enough of them, then you are not getting enough zinc. If you are unable to change your diet for some serious reason (e.g. vegetarianism, financial difficulties, etc.), then taking zinc supplements is a great idea.

The article was prepared based on PubMed (an online database of articles from international scientific journals) and reference materials available on the website of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) USA.

Zinc is essential for eye, hair and bone health, skin health, and the ability to concentrate. According to recent studies, taking zinc tablets can even help relieve flu symptoms and speed up recovery.

Zinc deficiency leads to hair loss (including eyebrows and eyelashes),

dry hair and early gray hair, reduced ability to taste food and smells, delayed wound healing, attention deficit disorder, blurred vision and cataracts, acne and dry skin, weakened immune system.

Perhaps, The importance of zinc for eye health is the most unexpected fact.

Household wisdom says that vitamins A and C are enough for eye health, but it turns out that zinc plays an important role in the transfer of vitamin A from the liver to the retina of the eyes and the formation of melanin (not to be confused with melatonin, which is responsible for healthy sleep), the protective pigment of the eyes. . Studies show that the so-called "age-related visual impairment" is partly due to a long-term deficiency of zinc in the body.

In what form is zinc best absorbed?

Useful minerals are not absorbed as easily as we would like, and zinc, compared with other trace elements, is considered even less digestible. Moreover, its various compounds negatively affect the intake of many other important microelements into the body. For example, zinc can interfere with the absorption of calcium, copper, or iron. That is why they are often present in the compositions of various mineral-vitamin complexes.

Pharmacological scientists have developed many drugs with zinc, and in different forms, very different bioavailability. Zinc-containing forms used in modern medicine:

• zinc sulfate.
• Zinc oxide.
• Zinc glycinate.
• Zinc gluconate.

• Zinc picolinate.
• Zinc chelate.
• zinc acetate.
• Zinc citrate.

Most common medical preparations of zinc sulfate and oxide. These forms are assimilated much worse than others. and are mainly used outdoors. Zinc sulfate taken orally strongly irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa and causes vomiting (reflex). In some cases, after the absorption of zinc ions, intoxication develops. Similarly, zinc oxide: after ingestion, an emetic effect is observed, symptoms of the resorptive action of ions appear.

More digestible forms are glycinate, picolinate, and zinc monomethionine.

According to the results of testing conducted by one of the US institutes, bioavailability of zinc glycinate is 16% higher than that of sulfate.

Best absorbed

(61.3%),

zinc picolinate, and (60.9%).

The digestibility of zinc oxide is lower (49.9%), and for some people it is even zero

Numerous experiments and studies have confirmed that is the best form of zinc. Chelates are absorbed much more efficiently. They maintain the level of zinc necessary for health in our body, and they are also more effective as a medicine than inorganic compounds. In other words, chelated zinc has three very compelling benefits:

• high bioavailability,
• visible effect in the treatment of diseases,
• maintaining the optimal level of trace elements in the body.

I really didn't want to write a review for this product. But when I read what some people write about here, I was simply horrified. And I consider it my duty to warn.

Firstly, these are not vitamins, as stated in the thread title. This is a serious drug.

Despite the fact that these pills look so cute and pink.

Indications for use:

I see that almost everyone here “prescribes” Zincteral for themselves without permission. And they drink absolutely anyhow. But this threatens with serious consequences, because. if used incorrectly, this drug washes out calcium, manganese, copper from the body. And besides, it is not yet absorbed by itself.

In 1 tablet 124 mg of zinc, this exceeds the daily norm by 5 times! The instructions say that adults need to drink 3 tablets a day. This will exceed the daily norm of zinc by 15 times!!!

Clueless girls write, such as “vitamins for female beauty” - namely, they help with pimples and for the beauty of hair. I read here that one girl drinks them 6 pieces at a time to be beautiful. And here is an excerpt from the instructions for use:

THE MAN IS DEAD!!! AND HE TAKE ONLY 8 TABLETS.

Now in order.

My problem is hair loss 500-600 pieces a day. In addition, drastic weight loss. And a lot of blackheads appeared on an absolutely clean face in just a few days.

The doctor sent me to take tests: a biochemical blood test, a blood test for glucose, a general blood test, a urine test.

And ONLY AFTER THAT, based on the results of the tests, she prescribed me to drink Zincteral.

For what?

First, to treat acne. Secondly, the doctor said that after a week of taking this drug, my hair loss will stop. At the same time, it will stop temporarily (artificially), which will give us time to find the true cause. After all, there is still a lot of analysis ahead ...

Drink said this:

Within a month: 1 pc. 2 times a day and see how it goes...

Strictly!!! Drink only water (neither tea, nor compote, and in no case should you drink milk).

Definitely on a full stomach. Wait 2 hours after eating, take the pill, and do not eat for 1 hour after the pill.

If you do not follow these instructions, then there will be no sense from taking the drug, but there will only be harm. Because zinc will not be absorbed in this way, and other important trace elements from food will not be absorbed.

And especially - watch clearly so that the time is waiting after milk, butter, sour cream, cheese and other dairy products

When I came home and read the reviews, I understood the meaning of the mysterious phrase “... and how will it go there ...” Almost everyone writes about side effects - a metallic taste in the mouth, sore throat, and almost everyone has severe nausea.

It became scary. There are a lot of special instructions in the instructions. There is a whole page of them, 40 centimeters long!

These are all special instructions for use!

I decided to strictly follow everything. I drank in the morning and in the evening, so at lunchtime I could even afford ice cream or other milk (for those who drink 3 times a day, it will be more difficult). I constantly set a timer or an alarm clock so that everything was clear.

On the first day of admission, my tongue went numb, as after freezing. I couldn't find anything about this in the manual. But then it stopped.

Didn't feel sick. But once I took a pill not on a very full stomach. In the morning I ate 1 sandwich with tea (I usually have a heartier breakfast), and after 2 hours I took a pill. The stomach began to cut strongly. I barely waited an hour after taking the pill to eat. Thought it would get better. After eating, the cutting pains disappeared, but she began to feel very sick. I lay down on the bed, and died until the evening ...

After this incident, I even forcefully stuffed my stomach so that it was ready to take the pill.

There were no more side effects.

Now for the results:

On the 4th day of taking it, I noticed improvements on my face. The skin became more matte, new acne did not appear, the old ones slowly healed.

Hair began to fall out even worse. Already after 4 days, the number of hairs that fell out during washing increased by 100 pieces, after another 4 days - plus another 100 pieces (631 pieces fell out that day).

But I continued to drink Zincteral, I kept waiting for a miracle. In addition, I bought the Darsonval device to stimulate blood microcirculation in the scalp.

The drop has slowly subsided. But I believe that this is after the application of Darsonval.

And when the course of pills ended - hair loss only returned to the quantities that were at the beginning of the application.

However, the face has become almost perfect.

I'm going back to the doctor next week. Perhaps you need to extend the course of treatment. I read on some forums that Zincteral is usually prescribed for 3-6 months.

I WENT TO THE DOCTOR AGAIN.

And I extended the course for another 2 months. Dosage as before - 2 tablets per day. When I asked why not 3 tablets (as written in the instructions), the doctor replied that I was too thin for 3 tablets.

She also advised me to re-take tests for the content of magnesium, calcium and iron after the expiration of two months of admission. And if it happens that Zincteral suppressed them, then it will be necessary to make up for the deficiency of these elements.