How to Best Absorb Zinc Supplements

Zinc is an important mineral, essential for the health of your reproductive organs and for cellular function. It also helps strengthen your immune system and prevent acne, and is necessary for the function of a number of enzymes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Zinc

1. Take a zinc supplement in the form of zinc picolinate - it is considered the best.

2. Take zinc separately from other minerals, especially iron, copper, manganese and calcium. They may interfere with zinc absorption.

3. Check the quality of your tap water. Hard water can upset zinc levels.

4. Assess the amount of grains and legumes that you eat. They contain a substance called phytate, which binds with zinc and prevents absorption.

5. Speak with your doctor if you have kidney disease, chronic diarrhea, diabetes or liver disease. You may need additional zinc supplements.

6. Assess how much fiber you consume. High fiber can cause zinc to be excreted from your body.

Tips & Warnings

• Foods high in zinc include egg yolks, fish, kelp, mushrooms, oysters, soy lecithin, soybeans and lima beans.
• Do not take more than 100mg per day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. High doses can depress the immune system and lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
• If you are taking prescription medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding supplements to your diet.

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[jrzgrl265]

on 4/23/2009 Sorry that's $10 for a 3 month supply of the Standard Process zinc chelate

[jrzgrl265]

on 4/23/2009 YES the proper zinc supplement can increase hair growth. After reaching age 50 my hair started thinning noticeably. A lot of hair was coming out in the shower. Probably due to hormonal changes. I highly recommend the STANDARD PROCESS PRODUCT known as ZINC LIVER CHELATE. within a few week I noticed much less hair loss and my hair returned to normal thickness. These products can be purchased at chiropractic offices (I work for one) or online at the Standard Process website. Only $ for a 3-month supply. The ONLY drawback is that with herbal supplements, effects can sometimes wear off. BUT IT'S DEFINITELY WORTH TRYING. Most people are zinc deficient. After about 5 months of success I am noticing a decline again. But this article on "zinc absorption" should really help as I had recently started taking a lot of calcium, i eat a fair amount of legumes, beans whole grains and fiber, AND

[LouisJeffries]

on 2/9/2009 what can you eat that has zinc in it? 5*

[dharmabum31]

on 1/25/2009 Great article. I think 100 mg per day is quite high, especially if you have a healthy diet. I usually aim for 30mg per day. This dose actually helps the immune system and hormone levels. Thanks for the information!

[haresh78]

on 12/8/2008 I read on a message board that zinc helps promote hair growth...is that true? has anyone experienced thicker hair after taking a zinc picolinate supplement continuosly for months or years? thanks

haresh