Health Supplement

Zinc is an essential nutrient, and is a very important mineral that is involved in a wide range of metabolic activities. It is required in the healing of injuries, and is necessary for growth and development, hair growth, insulin production, immunity, smell, taste, and fertility. Zinc is also extremely important during pregnancy to ensure proper growth and development of the foetus.
Zinc can be found in many of today’s foods, and a good source of zinc is oysters, meat, liver, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, whole grains, almonds, and milk. Vegetarians should use a zinc supplement.

Zinc can help promote healing in the body, and can be used to fight cold and flu symptoms.
Zinc helps strengthen the immune system which as we know is our body’s key defence against infection and disease.
zinc supplementation can help skin conditions such as acne and eczema, prostate problems, anorexia nervosa, alcoholics and those suffering from trauma or post-surgery.

Men should always ensure enough zinc in their diets, since the health of their prostate gland is linked to zinc. Zinc is needed to manufacture testosterone and a shortage may induce a low sperm count, loss of libido and other emotional problems.
Women in taking a birth control pill, or receiving hormone replacement therapy, extra zinc may be indicated, and all vegans and vegetarians should also consider their zinc intake, as well as people suffering from psoriasis and women while pregnant or lactating.

Zinc supplements come in many different types and forms, such as tablets, liquid, capsules, and lozenges. When taking zinc in supplements, it is best taken before bed as it should be taken away from food and should be taken at least 8 hours after iron.

Excess zinc supplement misuse can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Zinc supplement misuse can also cause a lowering of the level of HDL or good cholesterol. It can also lead to poor immune system function.
It is recommended to use 50mg per day during pregnancy which should be taken separately from iron. Up to 200mg of zinc per day is quite safe but if a zinc supplement is to be used for long periods a dosage of 20mg per day is recommended.

Source:
http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/benefits-of-zinc-supplements.html

http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com/minerals/zinc.htm

• Iron and heart disease. Some evidence suggests that iron can stimulate the activity of free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that are associated with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Free radicals may inflame and damage coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. Other researchers suggest that iron may contribute to the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, changing it to a form that is more damaging to coronary arteries. Numerous ways has been done to test an association between iron stores and coronary heart disease. But with conflicting results, and different methods to measure iron stores, make it difficult to reach a final conclusion on this issue.
• Iron and intense exercise. Many people who engage in regular, intense exercise such as jogging, competitive swimming, and cycling have marginal or inadequate iron status. Possible explanations include increased gastrointestinal blood loss after running and a greater turnover of red blood cells. Also, red blood cells within the foot can rupture while running. For these reasons, the need for iron may be 30% greater in those who engage in regular intense exercise.
• Iron and mineral interactions. Some researchers have raised concerns about interactions between iron, zinc, and calcium. When iron and zinc supplements are given together in a water solution and without food, greater doses of iron may decrease zinc absorption. However, the effect of supplemental iron on zinc absorption does not appear to be significant when supplements are consumed with food. There is evidence that calcium from supplements and dairy foods may inhibit iron absorption, but it has been very difficult to distinguish between the effects of calcium on iron absorption versus other inhibitory factors such as phytate.

Source: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/iron.asp