Product Description
Nature?s Harmony? Zinc Gluconate provides 50 mg of elemental zinc derived from 350 mg of zinc gluconate. Zinc is important for growth and development and for the health of body tissues and the immune system.
RECOMMENDED USE:
Enhances the immune system.
DOSAGE FORM:
Tablet
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Take 1 tablet daily, or as directed by a health care practitioner.
DESCRIPTION:
Zinc is a mineral that is found in high concentrations in the eyes, kidneys, brain, liver, muscle, bone, hair and male reproductive organs. Zinc is not readily stored in the body and, therefore, we are dependent on a continual supply from the diet. Zinc is essential for male sexual function and healthy fetal development. Zinc supplementation is used in the treatment of Wilson?s disease (excessive copper in the body), macular degeneration, mood disorders, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, bowel disorders and dementia. It is also used to decrease the length of colds, boost the immune system, promote wound healing and protect against prostate cancer.
Recommended Daily Allowance: Dosage varies, depending on age.
Food Sources: Oysters and other shellfish, fish, red meat, dark meat of poultry, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Causes of Deficiency: Poor diet, excess fibre, excess phytic acid from a diet high in legumes and whole grains, Crohn?s disease, malabsorption syndromes, alcoholism.
Symptoms of Deficiency: Susceptibility to infection, slow wound healing, diminished appetite, impaired sense of taste and smell, impaired night vision.
Complementary Nutrients: Moducare?.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Individuals with low calcium intake should avoid zinc supplementation since the combination of low calcium and zinc may reduce bone strength.
HIV-positive persons and those with glaucoma and hemochromatosis (excessive amounts of iron in the body) should not use zinc.
The immune system is the body?s defense against bacteria and viruses. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade our systems and cause disease.
The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. In this section you will find various products that work to support and rebuild a healthy immune system.
Zinc is in every cell of the body and is a component in over 300 enzymes. In fact, zinc functions in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral.
RESEARCH:
Zinc Gluconate is supported by extensive scientific research. According to the findings of a review of ten randomized, controlled studies, supplementation with zinc reduced the incidence of childhood pneumonia by 41% and the incidence of diarrhea in children by 25%. Zinc was found to be more effective than any other treatment for childhood pneumonia. The diarrheas studied were related to diminished immune competence and high rates of exposure to infectious diseases.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort. Other adverse reactions include a metallic taste, headache and drowsiness. Amounts over 150 mg per day may cause toxicity.
INTERACTIONS AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take high doses of zinc supplements unless recommended by a health care practitioner.
Diuretics (water pills) may increase zinc secretion.
Chlorthalidone (Hygroton), cisplatin (Platinol-AQ), tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretics taken with zinc may decrease the absorption of both the drug and zinc.
Penicillamine or trientine may depress zinc absorption.
Iron supplements, bran, protein, coffee, phytates, calcium or phosphorus may decrease absorption of zinc; therefore, it is recommended to take zinc supplements two hours after ingestion.
Chronic intake of high doses of zinc can lead to copper deficiency and hypochromic, microcytic anemia secondary to zinc-induced copper deficiency.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Individuals with low calcium intake should avoid zinc supplementation since the combination of low calcium and zinc may reduce bone strength.
HIV-positive persons and those with glaucoma and hemochromatosis (excessive amounts of iron in the body) should not use zinc.
