Uses And Health Benefits Of Zinc Supplements

Research has suggested zinc is quite helpful in treating macular degeneration. In a study conducted at the Utah School of Medicine, 151 persons with the condition and aged 55 or older took either 100 mg of the mineral or a placebo, and it was found that zinc helped to markedly reduce vision loss.

Male sexual health

Zinc could be the most important trace mineral when it comes to male sexual function, playing a part in every aspect of male reproduction, including hormone metabolism, sperm formation and sperm motility.

Several studies support the benefits of zinc supplements in aiding male sexual health. In one particular study, men with initial low testosterone levels who took a zinc sulfate supplement (60 mg of elemental zinc each day) for 45 to 50 days experienced improved sperm counts (8 million to 20 million) and increased testosterone levels. Of the 22 wives, 9 conceived during the study period. Considering the study subjects suffered from long-term infertility and the study only lasted a short time, the quick results obtained were very impressive.

Old age

Elderly persons typically have weaker nutrient absorption. In old age, a daily dose of 50 mg to 75 mg of zinc could be a therapeutic one. [Haas]

Pregnancy support

As zinc is a necessary mineral for proper cell division, it has an important role in the healthy development of fetuses. As such, low levels of zinc have been associated with conditions such as premature birth, low birth weight, growth retardation and preeclampsia.

Generally speaking, a woman‘s zinc needs are higher during pregnancy and lactation. Look out for the presence of zinc in your prenatal supplement.

During pregnancy, a daily dose of 50 mg to 75 mg of zinc could be useful. [Haas, MD]

Prostate health and prostate conditions

Research has shown that zinc supplementation could help prevent prostate-related health problems. Aged-related prostate enlargement, called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), for example, could be linked to low zinc levels.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis occasionally responded positively to zinc supplement intake.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Zinc has antioxidant properties. Persons who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis usually have low zinc levels. Some studies found that zinc supplements had a slight therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis, helping to reduce symptoms. Most of the said studies used zinc sulfate. By using better-absorbed forms of zinc like zinc picolinate, zinc acetate, zinc citrate or zinc monomethionine, even better outcomes could have been achieved. [Murray, ND]

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