Lipid-bound ZINC
Zinc is a key micronutrient important in growth and development, immune function, appetite, taste, smell, vision, wound healing, protein synthesis, cognitive function, learning and maintenance of skin, hair and nails. Low zinc is found in anxiety, panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Other studies show supplementation with zinc improves depression, ADHD, migraines, symptoms of schizophrenia and happiness, pleasure.
The two most common causes of zinc deficiency are decreased absorption, primarily due to compromised gastrointestinal (G.I.) function, and insufficient dietary zinc.
G.I. function is compromised by inflammation, Leaky Gut, low stomach acid, low enzymes and an unhealthy gut microbiome. Many people show G.I. inflammation on their Health Equations Inflammation Calculator. However, many people with G.I. inflammation are without G.I. symptoms.
Chronic inflammation increases cellular demand for zinc. Therefore, it is not surprising chronic inflammation is associated with zinc deficiency. A significant majority of individuals show a high overall inflammation on the HEq Inflammation Calculator that suggests zinc deficiency.
The foods highest in zinc in descending order are: shellfish, red meat, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy, eggs, and whole grains. However, legumes (which includes beans), seeds, nuts and whole grains contain phytates which prevent zinc absorption. Many people do not include much if any of the remaining four foods high in zinc. Therefore, insufficient dietary zinc contributes to zinc deficiency.
Other common causes of zinc deficiency include medications (NSAIDs, acid blockers, antibiotics), a diet high in sugar and carbs, high toxin exposure and stress.
It is important to follow the recommended dose schedule for Lipid-bound Zinc. More is not necessarily better. For example, while some studies show that 2-3 times the recommended daily allowance suppresses prostate cancer other studies say high zinc appears to increase prostate cancer risk.
This dose schedule provides the RDA, the recommended daily allowance established by the FDA:
Infants 0-6 mos - 4 drops once a day (1.4mg)
Toddlers 7 mos to 3 years - 8 drops once a day (2.7mg)
Children 4-8 years - 12 drops once a day (4mg)
Preteens 9-13 years - 20 drops once a day (7mg)
Age 14 and over - one dropper (10mg)
See Benefits and Risks of Potassium Supplementation, in the Revici Journal, for a full discussion of potassium and K2. Copyright (c) 2018 Lynne August MD All Rights Reserved.