Kirkman® offers Zinc capsules in our Bio-Max Series as a hypoallergenic formulation specially designed for individuals with special requirements or sensitivities

Zinc and the immune system

Zinc is present in every cell in the body and is also a component of over 200 enzymes.  Actually, zinc is involved in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral constituent in mammals.  Zinc is essential for normal skin, vision, smell, taste, reproduction, brain development, protein synthesis and wound healing.  It is also one of the most important factors in a healthy immune system.  Zinc is involved in just about every aspect of immunity, including the immune enhancing “T” cells that are necessary for immune response.

The best sources of zinc are shellfish, fish, and red meats, with oysters being the richest source.  Substantial amounts are also found in certain plant foods such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, mushrooms and some herbs.  The zinc from plant sources is not absorbed well because it binds to a fiber compound in plant seeds called phytic acid to form an insoluble zinc-phytate complex that cannot be assimilated.

A study published in 1997 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reported that Chinese children receiving 20 mg of zinc supplementation daily scored 10-15% higher on educational tests than unsupplemented children.

Why might an individual be deficient in zinc?

Zinc levels in the body may be lowered by the following conditions:

    •   diarrhea
    •   fiber consumption, which causes zinc excretion through the intestinal tract
    •   perspiration
    •   high calcium and iron consumption
    •   copper ingestion
    •   liver or kidney disease
    •   diabetes

How much and when should I supplement with zinc?

Children and adults need between 10 mg and 50 mg daily.  Though the recommended daily value is 15 mg, it is generally recognized that 30 to 50% of ingested zinc is not absorbed due to complexing with phytic acid, perspiration loss, fiber transport through the intestines, or because of the competition for absorption with copper, iron and calcium.

Kirkman® includes 10 mg of zinc in all Super Nu-Thera® products. Because of the absorption issues noted above, many physicians also recommend additional zinc supplementation at some point after the evening meal or at bedtime.  By taking it at that time, there will be no fiber, calcium, iron or copper going through the system to interfere with its utilization.  This should ensure that enough zinc gets absorbed in order to avoid a deficiency.

Kirkman® offers the following zinc supplements:

     •   Zinc 20 mg Capsules - Bio-Max Series - Hypoallergenic
     •   Zinc Sulfate Topical Cream
     •   Zinc Picolinate 25 mg - Hypoallergenic