What is the difference between zinc and zinc aspartate

Protein synthesis, DNA synthesis and RNA synthesis all require zinc and lipid metabolism is also affected, with zinc deficiency being associated with reductions in circulating high-density lipoprotein.

Zinc is necessary to maintain normal concentrations of vitamin A in the plasma, being essential for normal mobilization of Vitamin A from the liver. It influences the absorption, transport and utilisation of Vitamin A. Zinc is also required for the enzyme Alcohol dehydrogenase, responsible for converting retinol to retinal, essential for eye function. Zinc is an essential component of a large number of enzymes that participate in the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, as described in this medical article on the role of zinc.

There are also medical studies showing links with Zinc homeostasis and its role in diabetes and metabolic diseases.

Zinc is highly concentrated in the cerebral cortex, pineal gland and hippocampus and zinc deficiency is associated with impaired memory formation and mood disorders. It is thought, as described by Science Daily , that zinc may influence the release of messenger molecules neurotransmitters , which could be important for the formation and storage of memories.

Zinc inhibits the NMDA N-methyl-D —aspartate receptor via its binding site located on one of its subunits, acting as an antagonist, which is reported in this scientific article to be associated with the potential antidepressant properties of zinc. Zinc plays a role in fertility and conception support. It is one of the most important compounds of seminal fluid contributed by the prostate gland. Zinc plays an important role in normal testicular development, spermatogenesis, and sperm motility, as is illustrated in this article on zinc levels in seminal fluid.

Low dietary zinc status has been associated with low circulating concentrations of several hormones, including testosterone. The pH of blood and extracellular fluid is tightly regulated by the presence of buffer systems, which bring about changes as a consequence of acid production from cellular metabolism or the ingestion of acids in the diet.

Any changes from this can result in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, disturbances to electrolyte levels and changes to heart muscle contractility. The enzyme responsible for this is a zinc dependent enzyme is known as Carbonic Anhydrase and studies have shown that dietary deficiency of zinc reduces red blood cell carbonic anhydrase activity.

Zinc participates in the absorption, transport and utilisation of Vitamin A. Zinc is necessary to maintain normal concentrations of vitamin A in the plasma, which makes it essential for the normal mobilisation of Vitamin A from the liver. Because zinc is required for the synthesis of retinol binding protein RBP , zinc deficiency influences the mobilisation of vitamin A from the liver and its transport into the circulation.

The conversion of retinol to retinaldeyde retinal is regulated by zinc via the zinc-dependent enzyme, retinol dehydrogenase, making it very important for eye health. The conversion of retinol to retinal is a critical step in the visual cycle in the retina of the eye. Zinc is believed, according to this article on zinc and the eye , to affect photoreceptor plasma membranes, regulate the light-rhodopsin reaction, modulate synaptic transmission, and act as an antioxidant.

Such amounts can be easily consumed as part of a balanced diet. The target population is the general population. Food is broken down in the digestive tract and nutrients then get absorbed into the bloodstream. The walls of the intestines effectively act as a barrier allowing certain nutrients to pass through whilst blocking the passage of harmful substances. Small gaps withing the intestinal wall allow nutrients and water to pass through and these are known as tight junctions. In some cases, these tight junctions can become loose allowing more harmful substances such as bacteria and other toxins to pass through into the bloodstream.

Recent research on intestinal permeability suggested that zinc was able to limit gut permeability by modifying the tight junctions. This reported effect of zinc on the barrier function of the intestinal walls has led to the consideration of what effect zinc deficiency and supplementation may have with regard to various gastrointestinal issues and gut health , as discussed in this review on zinc and gastrointestinal conditions.

With Zinc being such an essential nutrient and extensively involved in so many vital roles in the body, deficiencies of zinc can manifest and present with various conditions. Zinc deficiency most commonly results from inadequate dietary intake but can also result from inadequate absorption as seen in small bowel disease and increased loss such as seen with diuretics, hepatic insufficiency. As discussed, zinc is an essential micronutrient that is crucial to almost every aspect of your health.

Many animal and plant foods are naturally rich in zinc but, in cases where you want to make sure you get sufficient of this essential nutrient to help support your nutritional requirements, taking a supplemental form is a suitable alternative.

Estimates now indicate that approximately 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in zinc due to inadequate dietary intake. One such physiological process is the support of immune cell function, helping stimulate particular immune cells. One study on zinc lozenges and their effect on the common cold showed that taking zinc every day may reduce the length of time you have a common cold. Zinc is required for proper healing and studies have indicated that being deficient in zinc can slow the wound healing process.

Acne is associated with low zinc levels, according to this report on innovative uses for zinc in dermatology. There are many forms of zinc compounds. The percentages of zinc in the compounds that Metabolics supplies is given below:. Metabolics Triple Zinc is a combination of zinc picolinate, Zinc Citrate, Zinc Sulphate offering an elemental zinc dose of Metabolics Zinc Formula - a combination balance of zinc bisglycinate and copper citrate.

In people with AIDS, low levels of zinc may be a result of poor absorption, medications, and loss of this important nutrient through vomiting or diarrhea. Low levels of zinc can make the body more susceptible to infection, called an opportunistic infection.

Some studies show that HIV positive people who take zinc have fewer infections, gain more weight, and have a better immune system response. But not all studies agree, and one even suggests that taking zinc may be associated with higher death rates. Preliminary evidence suggests that zinc may help treat Wilson's disease, a condition which causes copper to build up in the body.

Because zinc reduces how much copper the body absorbs, it may help reduce levels of copper in people with Wilson's disease. Other conditions may increase the need for zinc or affect how your body absorbs or uses this mineral. Zinc from animal foods like red meat, fish, and poultry is more readily absorbed by the body than zinc from plant foods. Zinc is best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains protein.

The best sources of zinc are oysters richest source , red meats, poultry, cheese ricotta, Swiss, gouda , shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Other good, though less easily absorbed, sources of zinc include legumes especially lima beans, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, soybeans, peanuts , whole grains, miso, tofu, brewer's yeast, cooked greens, mushrooms, green beans, tahini, and pumpkin, and sunflower seeds.

Zinc is available in several forms. Zinc sulfate is the least expensive form, but it is the least easily absorbed and may cause stomach upset. More easily absorbed forms of zinc are zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate, zinc glycerate, and zinc monomethionine. If zinc sulfate causes stomach irritation, you can try another form, such as zinc citrate. The amount of elemental zinc is listed on the product label usually 30 - 50 mg.

To determine the amount to take in supplement form, remember that you get about 10 - 15 mg from food. Zinc lozenges, used for treating colds, are available in most drug stores. You should take zinc with water or juice. If zinc causes stomach upset, it can be taken with meals. Don't take zinc at the same time as iron or calcium supplements. A strong relationship exists between zinc and copper.

Too much of one can cause a deficiency in the other. If you take zinc, including zinc in a multivitamin, you should also take copper. You should not take high doses of zinc for more than a few days unless your doctor tells you to.

Talk to your doctor before taking more than 40 mg of zinc per day and take breaks from zinc supplementation. During those breaks, get zinc from a well-balanced diet. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Research has shown that less than 40 mg a day is a safe amount to take over time, but researchers are not sure what happens if more is taken over a long period.

Additional concerns have been raised about combining multivitamins and additional zinc supplements and an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer. Speak with physician. Taking mg of zinc daily, or taking supplemental zinc for 10 years or longer, has been linked with a doubling of the risk developing prostate cancer in men. Common side effects of zinc include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

High doses of zinc can cause dizziness, headache, drowsiness, increased sweating, loss of muscle coordination, alcohol intolerance, hallucinations, and anemia. Very high doses of zinc may actually weaken immune function. Some people who have used certain zinc nasal sprays to treat a cold have lost their sense of smell. Talk to your doctor before using a zinc nasal spray. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use zinc without first talking to your health care provider.

Amiloride Midamor -- Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic water pill that may increase the levels of zinc in your blood. Do not take zinc supplements if you take amiloride. Blood pressure medications, ACE Inhibitors -- A class of medications called ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure, may decrease the levels of zinc in your blood. ACE inhibitors include:.

Antibiotics -- Zinc may decrease your body's absorption of two kinds of antibiotics, quinolones and tetracyclines. These include:. Cisplatin Platinol-AQ -- This drug, used for chemotherapy to treat some types of cancers, may cause more zinc to be lost in your urine.

If you are undergoing chemotherapy, do not take zinc or any other supplement without talking to your oncologist. According to the Mayo Clinic , there is some risk of zinc supplements interacting with certain medications you may be taking, including:. You need zinc for a number of vital health benefits including immune system function, DNA synthesis, and growth. Chelated zinc is more easily absorbed by your body than zinc on its own. Before adding a zinc supplement to your diet, discuss your plans with a doctor.

Zinc is a nutrient that plays many vital roles in your body. This article explains everything you need to know about zinc, its functions, benefits…. Zinc is involved in many important processes in your body and absolutely essential for good health. Here are the 10 best foods that are high in zinc. Learn about the symptoms of zinc deficiency and how to treat it. Zinc is absolutely essential for good health, but consuming too much can have several side effects.

Here are 7 signs and symptoms of zinc overdose. There are some indications that zinc could be a potential contributor to allergy relief. Most multivitamins or supplements have different amounts of elemental zinc added.

Variations of elemental zinc are used for different medicines and supplements. Zinc sulfate is the most commonly used form when trying to make up for a zinc deficiency. This suggests that zinc will be used in various forms for varying reasons. The Recommended Daily Allowance RDA of zinc is between 11 mg and 15 mg for an adult but should not exceed 40 mg per day.