From the Guidelines
To address low zinc levels, it is essential to increase dietary zinc intake and consider supplements if necessary, aiming for a daily intake of 8-11 mg for adults through zinc-rich foods or 15-30 mg daily supplements, without exceeding 40 mg without medical supervision. The clinical features of severe zinc deficiency include alopecia, skin rash, growth retardation, delayed sexual development, and impaired wound healing and immune function 1. Zinc deficiency affects cells involved in both innate and adaptive immunity, and its deficiency can lead to increased inflammation 1. Certain conditions, such as digestive disorders, vegetarian diets, pregnancy, alcoholism, and some medications, increase the risk of zinc deficiency 1.
When considering supplementation, it is crucial to monitor zinc and copper levels, as high doses of one may affect the other, and to seek specialist advice when in doubt 1. For patients on long-term parenteral nutrition, zinc status should be periodically monitored, and supplementation should be adjusted according to age and needs, with preterm infants requiring higher doses 1.
Key factors to consider in managing low zinc levels include:
- Increasing dietary zinc intake through zinc-rich foods like oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains
- Considering zinc supplements of 15-30 mg daily, if dietary changes are insufficient
- Monitoring zinc and copper levels to avoid excessive supplementation
- Adjusting supplementation according to age and needs, especially in patients on long-term parenteral nutrition
- Consulting a healthcare provider for proper testing and personalized recommendations, as zinc plays crucial roles in immune function, protein synthesis, DNA formation, and cell division throughout the body 1.
From the Research
Zinc Deficiency
- Zinc deficiency is a significant public health concern, with an estimated 17 to 20% of the global population at risk 2.
- Certain groups, such as the poor and those with limited access to foods rich in bioavailable zinc, are at higher risk of zinc deficiency 3.
- Zinc deficiency can have serious health consequences, including impaired immune function, increased risk of infections, and delayed wound healing.
Zinc Supplementation
- Zinc supplementation is a convenient and effective way to treat zinc deficiency and maintain healthy levels of zinc 2.
- Different forms of zinc supplements are available, including zinc glycinate, zinc gluconate, and zinc sulfate, which have varying levels of absorption and bioavailability 2, 4.
- Zinc glycinate and zinc gluconate are better absorbed than other forms of zinc, making them potentially more effective supplements 2.
- However, high intakes of zinc can cause copper deficiency, and excessive consumption of zinc supplements can lead to chronic zinc toxicity 3.
Dietary Zinc
- Dietary zinc is essential for maintaining healthy levels of zinc, but it can be difficult to achieve adequate intake through food alone, especially for certain groups such as vegetarians and vegans 5.
- Food-derived zinc-binding compounds, such as protein, peptide, polysaccharide, and polyphenol, may help improve zinc utilization and maintain zinc homeostasis 6.
- Zinc nutrition is critical for human health, and maintaining zinc homeostasis is essential for preventing diseases related to zinc disorder, including immune system dysfunction and COVID-19 6.
Bioavailability of Zinc Compounds
- The bioavailability of different zinc compounds can vary significantly, with zinc gluconate and zinc citrate showing higher bioavailability than zinc sulfate in some studies 4.
- The use of zinc gluconate as a supplement may be worth considering, particularly for men, due to its potential to increase zinc concentration in the prostate 4.