Zinc also has a crucial role to play in maintaining our immune systems. We are low in our soils in NZ and unless you are eating a lot of oysters you could well be deficient. It is vital to normal immune functioning and if you are low you will need 30-40mgs of zinc per day to build up your levels again. You can't get zinc in NZ in a tablet higher than 15mg - so you will need to take 2-3 tabs a day to get this level.
Research and zinc
A recent Cochrane review has reminded us of zinc’s importance when it comes to ensuring the efficiency of our immune defences against viral infections. The review incorporated data from 15 trials and revealed that oral zinc supplementation taken at the onset of cold symptoms reduces the severity and length of illness.
Another interesting finding was that children who took zinc for at least 5 months caught fewer colds and were shown to have reduced use of antibiotics and less days off school.
Zinc’s role in disease prevention and treatment is not fully understood, however studies show that even a mild deficiency can contribute to defective functioning of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells.
Additionally, zinc is able to interfere with viral replication, halting the development of infections caused by rhinovirus (the common cold) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; a major cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in children).
Supplementing with Zinc
My favourite zinc supplement is Blackmores Bio Zinc. This has zinc in an amino acid chelate – which means it is easier to absorb. It also has other cofactors in it – and by this I mean other nutrients that help in some way the absorption or action of zinc in the body. I am not a great fan of giving single nutrients to people as many of them work together – you get better results if you take them together.
Blackmores Bio Zinc, you will find 14.9mg of zinc, together with vitamin A (which is also required for healthy immune function and the maintenance of healthy skin), manganese (which works with zinc to support the body’s antioxidant defences), and magnesium and vitamin B6 (both of which are involved in zinc metabolism).
I recommend 2 tablets a day for a month, then drop back to one a day. Take with food!
Research and zinc
A recent Cochrane review has reminded us of zinc’s importance when it comes to ensuring the efficiency of our immune defences against viral infections. The review incorporated data from 15 trials and revealed that oral zinc supplementation taken at the onset of cold symptoms reduces the severity and length of illness.
Another interesting finding was that children who took zinc for at least 5 months caught fewer colds and were shown to have reduced use of antibiotics and less days off school.
Zinc’s role in disease prevention and treatment is not fully understood, however studies show that even a mild deficiency can contribute to defective functioning of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells.
Additionally, zinc is able to interfere with viral replication, halting the development of infections caused by rhinovirus (the common cold) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV; a major cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in children).
Supplementing with Zinc
My favourite zinc supplement is Blackmores Bio Zinc. This has zinc in an amino acid chelate – which means it is easier to absorb. It also has other cofactors in it – and by this I mean other nutrients that help in some way the absorption or action of zinc in the body. I am not a great fan of giving single nutrients to people as many of them work together – you get better results if you take them together.
Blackmores Bio Zinc, you will find 14.9mg of zinc, together with vitamin A (which is also required for healthy immune function and the maintenance of healthy skin), manganese (which works with zinc to support the body’s antioxidant defences), and magnesium and vitamin B6 (both of which are involved in zinc metabolism).
I recommend 2 tablets a day for a month, then drop back to one a day. Take with food!
You can also find liquid zinc supplements - sometimes these are easier to absorb for those with lowered digestive function.
For children you are best to get them to take zinc as part of an immunity formulation, something like Blackmores Immunoshield.
Foods that contain high zinc: sesame seeds (tahini, hummus), oysters, beef and lamb, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, beans and legumes.
For children you are best to get them to take zinc as part of an immunity formulation, something like Blackmores Immunoshield.
Foods that contain high zinc: sesame seeds (tahini, hummus), oysters, beef and lamb, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, beans and legumes.
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