Zinc ?

[AnneM]

Can you tell me whether ZINC is goodie or a baddie when it comes to supplements etc? I have a feeling I read somewhere that zinc should not be given in conjunction with something else. I have some supplements which are a combination of Magnesium, Zinc and Calcium and I am not sure if this is GOOD for my son (with adhd in mind) or BAD ?

[lisle]

Hi, Anne:
Zinc acts like a neurotransmitter and improves immunity. My son takes zinc, C, E, fish oil, cal/mag, and TMG in the evening. It helps my son get to sleep, so I don't recommned it in the daytime. You shouldn't have a problem. However, start slow as it can cause nausea. The other thing I read recently, but am unclear about, is that it is stored in the prostrate of males and can cause cancer. When I looked for the original source of this statement, the source had NOTHING in it about this, so it just goes to show how careful you have to be on the internet or anywhere when a seemingly reliable source is cited. But I still was kind of concerned to read this. You have to decide yourself.

You asked what not to give with zinc. You don't want to give it with the B-6 vit. because they interfere with each other. I have even seen some preparations with them both in them, however. I did read the research on the conflict and it seemed good.

[AnneM]

Thanks Lisle .... this is really helpful and certainly answers my queries....

My son takes a Vitamin B Complex each day and as you say it shouldn't be taken with B-6 ... that answered what I read before .... so now I am left with the question WHICH of the TWO is more beneficial? B-6 or Zinc?

[catatonic]

My understanding is that it's not the B-vitamins that interact with zinc, but the folic acid. Here's a quote from the article I read most recently (which is from the foodproduct.com website which deals mainly with product formulations):

.... Another less-publicized concern with folic acid, as suggested by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., senior executive vice president of research and development, Fortitech, Inc., Schenectady, NY, is zinc inhibition. “Folic acid and zinc interaction is very well-documented,” he says. “Folic acid ties up zinc so that both nutrients are not made available to the body..."

A study published in January (see www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12700794&dopt=Abstract ) concluded that folic acid supplementation decreased plasma zinc levels, but that this problem was corrected with the addition of a zinc supplement.

That seems to be the consensus, that to overcome the zinc-binding effect of folic acid, take a zinc supplement. (Don't take more than 15mg daily.) Folic acid doesn't appear affected by the interaction.

On the other hand, some experts recommend that a zinc supplement be given separately from all other supplements and not with food.

To me, both nutrients are important. I haven't worried about this issue much and use a multi-vitamin that contains zinc (along with copper, iron, selenium, manganese). My boy takes it in the morning, which is also when he takes his B-complex. I may switch the B-complex to evening to minimize the possibilities of interaction, but I don't believe it's a significant risk. I wouldn't give up either nutrient. Here's why:

FOLIC ACID: Adequate folate intake by pregnant women prevents neural tube defects in babies. In addition folic acid aids with the production and maintenance of red blood cells, the creation of DNA and RNA, and helps prevent changes to DNA that cause cancer.

ZINC: Zinc is no less important. Zinc is involved in many vital functions, including immunity, fertility, wound healing and skin maintenance. Lack of zinc is usual in prostate problems, and arteries degenerate faster. Your vision and sense of taste are heavily dependent on it. A wide range of blood and tissue enzymes cannot function without it.

I wasn't able to find any information on zinc and Vitamin B6 interacting with one another. If you can suggest any sources, I'd be interesting in taking a look.