May's Question of the Month

ZINC

 

I have been taking zinc supplements for a few months. Someone told me that this might affect other nutrients. Is this correct?

 

Yes this is correct. Zinc interferes with the absorption of copper, which means that copper can get in short supply. Copper is essential in the metabolism of iron and so you can get a copper-induced anaemia ­ rare, but possible. It is therefore currently recommended that for every 50mg of zinc, you should co-supplement with 5mg copper. Whenever single mineral supplements are prescribed, they should be taken separately from other mineral supplements to minimize interactions.

Many people self-supplement with zinc in order to help their immune system, but long-term use of more than 100mg a day has been shown to impair the system and lower the level of HDL ('good') cholesterol.

Click here for more information about zinc and copper




 

© j.boorman 2001