Zinc with colds, rashes and the immune system

Zinc is an important mineral for the body. Zinc supports the immune system, helps with wound healing and aids in body growth. Zinc deficiency occurs frequently in developing countries. In developed countries like the United States, zinc deficiency is rare, because most diets provide more zinc than is recommended.

Zinc today is commonly used in cases of the common cold. Some studies have shown that zinc supplements can shorten the duration of colds, by as little as 1 day or more. In addition, when supplementing with zinc, the number of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections in children was also reduced.
Zinc helps fight infections and heal wounds. However, if you already get enough zinc from your daily diet, getting more zinc from supplements is unlikely to provide more benefit.
Topical zinc products are used to treat diaper rash and diaper rash. Zinc has also been shown to have beneficial effects in a number of conditions such as helping with ulcers, hyperactivity, acne, sickle cell anemia and other health problems.
In addition, zinc has also been studied for the treatment of herpes (Herpes), high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, etc. However, the evidence on the benefits of zinc for the diseases listed above is incomplete.
In addition, zinc helps effectively treat cases of age-related macular degeneration, but more research is still needed on this effect of zinc. Strict vegetarians, alcohol abusers, and people with poor diets are at a higher risk of zinc deficiency. Some digestive diseases will also recommend zinc supplements, such as Crohn's disease (chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract).

The recommended daily amount of zinc includes both the amount of zinc that you get from both the foods you eat and the amount of zinc from any supplements you are taking.

The recommended level mentioned in the table above is the highest amount of zinc that most people can safely consume. You should not take more than that recommended amount unless directed by your doctor. The recommended amount of zinc as above includes zinc from foods and supplements.

To avoid stomach irritation, take zinc with food, or after meals. For the common cold, zinc lozenges are usually taken every one to two hours within 48 hours of symptom onset. Then, continue to take zinc tablets every one to two hours until the symptoms disappear. Zinc supplements are available in pill or liquid form.

Good food sources of zinc are:
Red meat Poultry Oysters Grains Beans and nuts

Side effects: Zinc supplements can cause stomach and mouth irritation. Zinc lozenges can change your sense of smell and taste for a few days. If taken long-term, zinc lozenges can reduce the amount of copper in the body. Use of zinc nasal sprays has also been associated with loss/reduction of the sense of smell, possibly permanent loss of the sense of smell. Interactions: Zinc can interact with certain medications such as birth control pills and some antibiotics. Zinc can also interact with other supplements, such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron. If you take daily medications or some other dietary supplement, ask your doctor for advice. Risks: People who are allergic to zinc, have HIV, or have hemochromatosis should talk to their doctor first. when deciding to supplement with zinc. Too much zinc can also cause fever, cough, nausea, decreased immune function, mineral imbalance, cholesterol changes, and other problems. In pregnant women, high doses can harm an unborn baby.

Zinc is essential for a healthy body. However, zinc deficiency or excess zinc both cause undesirable effects on the body. In addition to getting zinc from natural food sources, taking zinc supplements is also important. To supplement the amount of zinc corresponding to the body's needs, consult your doctor before buying and using zinc supplements.
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Source: webmd.com

See also:
Role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation Safe zinc supplementation for mothers and children Signs of zinc deficiency in the body What is the body like if it is too much zinc?