Quote:
|
Originally Posted by quincy I understand that zinc intake shouldn't be more than 25mg daily. So one should recognise zinc in food intake plus what is in a supplement.
I take zinc losenges (ginger flavoured) at the first signs of a sore throat. I'm sucking on them tonight. I use Sisu brand, 5 mg each.
I do get a bit stomach cramping and gassy if I take too many.
what is the dosage you are taking, you never posted it.
I think if a supplement is suggested, the dosage should be included as well as any cautions.
I agree, everything should be taken with full information about the product and possible side effects.
quincy |
Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Zinc is found in a wide variety of foods. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet. Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products. Zinc absorption is greater from a diet high in animal protein than a diet rich in plant proteins. Phytates, which are found in whole grain breads, cereals, legumes and other products, can decrease zinc absorption.
There is no single laboratory test that adequately measures zinc nutritional status. Medical doctors who suspect a zinc deficiency will consider risk factors such as inadequate caloric intake, alcoholism, digestive diseases, and symptoms such as impaired growth in infants and children when determining a need for zinc supplementation. Vegetarians may need as much as 50% more zinc than non-vegetarians because of the lower absorption of zinc from plant foods, so it is very important for vegetarians to include good sources of zinc in their diet.
You can find out more about zinc by doing a google search for zinc. The upper limits is reportedly 40mg for those 19+. And even more in some people based on their dietary habits (IE: vegetarians, alcoholics).
I personally have taken 1 - 50mg tablet per day for the past few years, and all of my doctors and my pharamacist are aware of this.
While there is no substantial proof from studies about zinc and the common cold, I can attest to the fact that since I started taking zinc tablets, I haven't been plagued with a cold or any respiratory illness during that time, which is unusual for me as I have asthma and usually end up with
at least one respiratory illness a year.
