Zinc improves immunity & reduces oxidative stress
Zinc monomethionine is a 1:1 chelated complex of the antioxidants zinc and methionine. Studies suggest this compound can stimulate new cell growth, enhance immunity, support male sexual function, and fight free radicals. Researchers have found that healthy seniors who supplement with zinc experience a reduced rate of infections and oxidative stress. Zinc deficiency, cell-mediated immune dysfunction, susceptibility to infections, and increased oxidative stress all have been observed in subjects older than 55 years.
In the current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers determined whether zinc would have an effect on the incidence of total infections in healthy elderly subjects. They also investigated if zinc would have an effect on oxidative stress markers, and on the generation of tumor necrosis factor, a group of white blood cells known as cytokines responsible for inflammation that are linked to everything from psoriasis to heart failure.
Fifty healthy subjects of both sexes ages 55 to 87 years and inclusive of all ethnic groups were recruited from a senior center for the study. The zinc-supplemented group received 45 mg zinc per day orally for 12 months. Researchers documented the incidence of infections during the supplementation period as well as the generation of inflammatory cytokines, T helper 1 and T helper 2 cytokines, and oxidative stress markers. The plasma concentrations of zinc were measured at baseline and after supplementation.
Compared with a group of younger adults, at baseline the older subjects had significantly lower plasma zinc, higher generation of inflammatory cytokines and interleukin 10, and higher plasma oxidative stress markers and endothelial cell adhesion molecules. Endothelial cells are the cells lining the arteries and the increase in adhesion molecules signifies that increased build up and inflammation was occurring in the arteries of the subjects. However, in subjects supplemented with zinc, the incidence of infections declined. In addition, the generation of tumor necrosis factor and plasma oxidative stress markers were significantly lower in zinc-supplemented subjects compared to the placebo group.
The researchers concluded, “After zinc supplementation, the incidence of infections was significantly lower, plasma zinc was significantly higher, and generation of tumor necrosis factor and oxidative stress markers was significantly lower in the zinc-supplemented than in the placebo group.”
It should be noted that consuming zinc at levels too far above 50mg per day can lower immunity, so staying in the 45mg per day range would be prudent.
Dosage:
1 to 2 capsules per day with meals.
| Product Specifications: |
| Serving Size: 1 Capsule |
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
| Zinc (zinc monomethionine) | 25mg | 167% |
Other Ingredients:
Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (vegetarian capsule), microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate.
Contains no added sugar, starch, salt, wheat, gluten, corn, coloring, dairy products, flavoring or preservatives.
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep out of reach of children. |
