Are Dietary Zinc Supplements Effective in the Treatment of Acne?

Although it poses no health risks, acne could affect self confidence.

According to University of Maryland Medical Center, the human body only needs a small amount of zinc, usually obtained through food. Every cell in the body contains zinc, which helps to heal wounds, fight free radicals and boost the immune system.

Zinc Deficiency

Skin problems such as acne and psoriasis could result from zinc deficiency, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Serious zinc deficiency is uncommon in industrialized countries, but mild deficiency often occurs especially in the elderly, alcoholics, anorexics and people on restricted diets. Zinc supplements could effectively treat mild zinc deficiency.

Efficacy

According to University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies found zinc supplements to improve acne, but others found no benefit. To complicate the matter, some studies use other treatments in combination with dietary zinc supplements. According to MedlinePlus, the correlation between zinc level and acne severity is still unknown.

Warning

According to University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies used high doses of zinc supplements, which could have toxic effects. Excessive zinc intake could result in anemia, leukopenia and neutropenia.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Zinc
• MedlinePlus: Zinc
• International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements: Excessive Oral Zinc Supplementation