•  Introduction
• Medicinal Uses and Indications
• Available forms of the herb
• Who Should/Shouldn’t take it
• Side Effects/ Precautions

Introduction

Zinc plays an important role in the immune system. It is an essential trace mineral, which means that it must be obtained from diet since the body does not make enough. Next to Iron, Zinc is the richest trace mineral in the body.

It is mostly stored in Muscle, however high concentrations of Zinc may be found  in red and white blood cells, the retina of the eye, bones, skin, kidneys, liver and pancreas. In men, the prostate gland stores high amounts of zinc.

In the Western diet, the typical intake of zinc is approximately 10mg. That’s two-thirds of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA).  Low zinc is often seen in the elderly, alcoholics, people with anorexia, and individuals on restrictive weight loss diets.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

• Acts as immune system booster
• Helps prevent and lessen duration of colds, flues and infections
• Contributes to healthy male reproductive system
• May help enhance fertility in both men and women
• Regulates metabolism of testosterone and sex drive
• May prevent enlargement of prostate gland
• Aids in digestion problems.
• Assists with building healthy hair and scalp

Available Forms of the Herb

Zinc is available in supplemental forms as well as lozenges and nasal sprays.

Some natural sources are: liver, beef, crab, lamb, turkey, ham, pork, chicken, eggs, oysters, seafood, dried beans, spilt peas, fortified cereals, wheat germ, brown rice, oatmeal, bran flakes, white rice, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, cheddar cheese, milk and American cheese.

Who Should/Shouldn’t Take it

Zinc is safe for adults and children if taken in moderation and discussed previously with your healthcare provider.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects of zinc include stomach upset, Nausea, Vomiting, and metallic taste in the mouth. Other reported side effects are dizziness, headache, drowsiness, increased sweating, loss of Muscle coordination, alcohol intolerance, hallucinations and anemia.

Source

Health and age.com
Nutriherb.net

Copyright © 2007
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information of the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is making in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs of compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse or other authorized health-care practitioner and to check product information (including package insert) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interaction and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.