What does zinc do for the body?
Zinc helps the body grow and stay healthy. It protects eye tissue, heals the skin, enhances our sense of smell and taste, reduces anxiety, nourishes our adrenal glands, controls the release of stored vitamin A from the liver, interacts with platelets during blood clotting, and regulates insulin activity. Zinc also plays a role in supporting the body's immune system, and has been clinically proven to reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms.

What's the easiest way to determine if I'm zinc deficient?
The easiest way to determine if you’re zinc deficient is to use a tablespoon of liquid zinc. If it tastes bitter or gross, your zinc levels are normal. If it tastes sweet, you’re zinc deficient.

What do you suggest is the best way to add zinc to my body?
Zinc can be added to the body by taking a zinc supplement, such as a lozenge, getting an injection, or eating foods rich in zinc, such as eggs, dairy products, lean red meat, beans and nuts.

What foods do you suggest I eat to increase my zinc intake?
There are many different foods that can increase your zinc intake including eggs, dairy products, lean red meat, beans and nuts.

I'm pregnant, is it safe to take zinc supplements?
Pregnant women should take zinc only if it is necessary and with a doctor’s permission. Speak with your physician before taking zinc.

I'm breastfeeding, is it safe to take zinc supplements?
Mothers and babies need the correct amount of vitamins and minerals. However, nursing mothers should discuss any supplements with their physician before taking them.

Are there any risks or side effects with taking zinc supplements?
Don't take zinc supplements on an empty stomach as this could cause minor stomach upset. Speak with a doctor before use if you are taking minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline, or are on coumadin therapy, as zinc treatment may inhibit the absorption of these medicines. Avoid citrus fruits or juices and products containing citric acid ½ hour before or after taking zinc lozenges as they may diminish product effectiveness. Zinc inhibits the body's absorption of copper, so make sure you are getting adequate copper when taking a zinc supplement. Speak with a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How does zinc help sore throats?
It’s believed that zinc coats a cell’s outer membrane, which prevents bacteria and viruses from attaching to it. If it can’t attach to anything, there are no or decreased cold symptoms. Studies have shown that zinc gluconate lozenges help to reduce the duration of a cold by three days.

Can medications affect my zinc level?
Medications can affect your zinc level. If you’re taking any medication that affects your zinc level, speak with your physician about any alternatives. Some medications that will “zap” your body of zinc include antacids/acid blockers, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, ACE inhibitors, AZT, Cipro and tetracycline, amongst others.

What are the side effects of zinc deficiency?
A deficiency of zinc may cause hair loss, poor night vision, more frequent infections and a reduced sense of taste and smell; additionally, skin changes can occur causing acne and delayed wound healing. Other side effects include loss of appetite, erectile dysfunction and delayed sexual maturation, decreased sense of smell and taste, lower ability of fighting infections, poor development of reproductive organs, stunted growth (in children), diarrhea, eye and skin lesions, weight loss, frequent infections, enlarged liver and spleen, and anemia.

What are the side effects of too much zinc?
Too much zinc can cause gastrointestinal irritation (upset stomach) and cause immune deficiency. It can interfere with copper absorption and cause copper deficiency. Other side effects are dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, yellow eyes or skin. In rare cases, if there are large doses consumed, a person may experience chills, fever, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, sore throat, unusual tiredness or weakness, abdominal pain, decrease in levels of good cholesterol, permanent loss of smell, continuing ulcers or sores in mouth or throat.

Can zinc help treat certain illnesses, conditions, and diseases?
Yes, zinc can help treat certain illnesses, conditions, and diseases including the common cold, infertility, herpes, osteoporosis, and peptic ulcers.

Are there different ways to take zinc, and what's the most effective?
There are two different ways to take zinc; oral and injection. The most effective use is orally by either using lozenges or a zinc supplement.

What are the health benefits of taking zinc for a cold?
It has been clinically proven that taking zinc reduces a cold by three days.

My medication reduces my zinc level. Is there an alternative?
You would need to speak with your physician about any alternatives to your current medication, and whether you can increase your zinc level by taking a supplement.

Are zinc supplements safe for children?
Speak to your pediatrician before giving zinc to children under 11 years of age.

Are there any studies that show the benefits of zinc?
Yes. Several clinical studies have been done to show zinc's effectiveness in reducing the duration and severity of cold symptoms. For more info on these studies, see the Zinc Science section.