Zinc and Acne
Acne, a common skin condition, affects both adolescents and adults. Considered safe and effective in recommended amounts, zinc supplementation is prescribed by some doctors as an adjunct to other treatments to reduce the severity of acne.
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Research
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Several studies report that zinc may reduce the severity of acne. While recent studies are lacking, a 1977 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology reported that zinc was as effective as oral tetracycline in treating acne.
Significance
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Some medical practitioners consider acne a symptom of zinc deficiency. While the exact mechanism of zinc's action on acne is unknown, it is speculated that it reins in hormones that stimulate acne flare-ups.
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Sources
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Animal sources such as calf's liver, beef, lamb, oysters and pork are rich in zinc. Good plant sources include legumes, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, spinach, yeast, basil, thyme and sea vegetables.
Expert Insight
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Dr. Emily Kane, a practicing naturopath and columnist for Better Nutrition magazine, recommends supplementing with 50 mg of zinc twice a day for adult acne. She recommends continuing the treatment until zinc starts tasting metallic in the mouth.
Considerations
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While zinc may reduce the severity of the condition, it may not work as a stand-alone treatment for acne. Nutritional supplements work best as parts of a comprehensive acne-treatment plan, which includes topical treatments and diet modifications.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Pumpkin Seeds image by Sarpy from Fotolia.com
