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Molybdenum · Potassium · Selenium · Silicon · Vanadium · Zinc MINERALSBORON - Boron Picolinate Boron, a trace mineral derived from fruits and vegetables, is necessary for the function ov vitamin D. In this context, it has proven useful in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and arthritis. INDICATIONS: Studies have supported the benefit of boron in osteoporosis (1) and arthritis (2). DOSAGE: Daily supplementation of 3 to 9 mg is indicated particularly in individuals at risk for osteoporosis. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: GI side effects occur at extremely high dosages over 500 mg/day. There are no known interactions with other nutrients or drugs. Picolinic acid has a pyridine nucleus with a carboxyl side group. This is a particularly absorbable and biologically active chelate of body minerals. Boron is a trace element exhibiting binding characteristics of both metals and non-metals. It can complex with organic compounds with hydroxyl groups including sugars, polysaccharides, adenosine-5-phosphate, pyridoxine, riboflavin, dehydroascorbic acid and pyridine nucleotides. Boron may be required for the conversion of cholecalciforal (vitamin D) to its active form and for the formation of certain steroid hormones including testosterone and 17-beta-estradiol. These latter effects point to its benefit in osteoporosis and possibly arthritis. The beneficial effects of estrogen on bone metabolism in post-menopausal women are well known.
CALCIUM - Calcium citrate, Calcium Citramate, Calcium-magnesium citramate, Cal-Mag Chela -Max (Tyler) Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is derived from dairy products as well as green leafy vegetables, tofu, kale, spinach and turnip greens. It is the building block of teeth and bones as well as an essential element for muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, blood clotting and the regulation of the heart beat. INDICATIONS: Studies have shown definite benefit of calcium supplementation in osteoporosis (1), certain subsets of hypertensive individuals (2,3) and pregnancy (4). DOSAGE: Dosage reflects the RDA, which is currently 1,000mg/day for adults. Growing children may need more, 1,200 mg/day. During pregnancy and lactation, the dosage is 1200mg/day. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Dosages over 2,000mg/day may increase the risk of kidney stones and soft-tissue calcifications. Patients with hyperparathyroidism and cancer should take calcium under a physician's supervision. Calcium interacts with many nutrients including vitamin D, vitamin K and magnesium. High dosages of magnesium, zinc, fiber and oxalates negatively affect calcium absorption and caffeine, alcohol, phosphates, protein, sodium and sugar increase calcium excretion. Aluminum containing antacids ultimately cause bone breakdown and calcium excretion. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and defiency leads to rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults and can contribute to high blood pressure, osteoporosis and colon cancer. Potentially high lead levels are present in natural oyster shell calcium (unrefined calcium carbonate), dolomite and bone meal products. Absorption of calcium is somewhat dependent on ionization, which is a major problem with calcium carbonate. Solubilization and ionization by stomach acid is necessary for calcium carbonate bio-availability. Unfortunately 40% of postmenopausal women, those most needing supplementation for osteoporosis, are severely deficient in stomach acid leading to only 4% absorption. In this setting, on the other hand, 45% of calcium is absorbed from calcium citrate. Other chelates of the Kreb's cycle intermediates with calcium, such as aspartate, also increase absorption with the added benefit of an energy substrate molecule in the supplement. Epidemiological studies reveal an inverse relationship between blood pressure and calcium intake, and this effect relates to its benefit in pregnancy.
agitation, brittle nails, cognitive loss, delusions, depression, eczema, hyperactivity, hypertension, insomnia, irritability, limb numbness, muscle cramps, nervousness, neuromuscular excitability, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, palpitations, parestheias, periodontal disease, rickets, stunted growth, tetany CHROMIUM - Chromium citrate, chromium picolinate Chromium, derived primarily from meat and whole grains, potentiates the action of insulin and the in turn, influences carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. It is thought to function in a complex called glucose tolerance factor that helps insulin bind to insulin receptors. Deficiency may be responsible in some people for impaired glucose tolerance, increased or decreased blood glucose and insensitivity to insulin. INDICATIONS: Chromium studies show definite benefit in impaired glucose tolerance (1), elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels (2), weight loss (3) and acne (4). DOSAGE: It appears we need at least 200 mcg/day and dosages of 400-600mcg/day are recommended in impaired glucose tolerance and for weight loss. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: One study reported increased dream activity with greater vividness and color and diminished sleep requirements with 50mcg chromium/day. No other toxicities have been reported. Refined sugars, white flour products and lack of exercise can deplete chromium levels and calcium carbonate and antacids may reduce chromium absorption. Chromium exists in the diet as inorganic Cr3+, which is poorly absorbed, and as a biologically active molecule. In the body, it is an important constituent of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a molecular complex which acts synergistically with insulin to promote cellular glucose uptake. Chromium may also act like zinc, regulating gene expression of a molecule that potentiates insulin action. It is also important for the structure and metabolism of nucleic acids. GTF may consist of chromium, nicotinic acid, and several amino acids. Chromium requirements increase with various stress conditions and supplementation protects against stress-induced losses of other trace elements. Chromium 4-oxopyridine, 2,3-dicarboxylate achieves the highest levels in the body and has been studied by cell culture technique. Ultrachrome 200 and 500 is a mixture of this compound with chromium arginate. Chromium improves blood sugar control secondary to its synergy with insulin. It also reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Increasing the body's cell sensitivity to insulin facilitates weight loss, hence the value of chromium. Finally, skin biopsies in acne reveal impaired glucose tolerance, explaining chromium's benefit in acne.
COPPER -Copper citrate and copper picolinate Copper was used in 400 B.C. by Hippocrates for pulmonary and other diseases. It is a metal found in shellfish, nuts, seeds, legumes, and the bran and germ portions of grains, liver and organ meats. It is essential for the function of numerous enzymes and deficiency is associated with anemia, arthritis, arterial disease, loss of pigmentation, myocardial disease and neurologic deficits. Copper toxicity can occur with massive ingestion. INDICATIONS: Copper deficiency is a significant risk factor in cardiovascular disease pointing to the value of supplementation (1,2) and studies support the long-term folk use of copper bracelets in arthritis (3). DOSAGE: A safe and adequate daily intake is 1.5 to 3 mg.SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Since zinc interferes with copper absorption, an optimal ratio of zinc to copper intake has been calculated at 10:1. It is not suggested to take copper over 3 mg/day though since it acts as an emetic at higher dosages. It is not recommended for children. Vitamin C and iron along with other minerals may decrease copper absorption. Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in six enzymatic reactions including lysyl oxidase, an enzyme required in the cross-linking of collagen and elastin. Deficiency of copper results in poor collagen integrity with resultant blood vessel rupture, osteoporosis and bone and joint abnormalities. The highest copper concentration is in the brain and deficiency results in brain disturbances. Other deficiency symptoms include increased lipid peroxidation, elevated LDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol and impaired immune function. Copper is also required for proper iron absorption and utilization. It is also the metallo portion of the anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
Iodine was discovered in 1811 and was found in the thyroid gland in 1895. Supplementation was found to prevent goiter in 1922. Seafoods are the richest source of iodine but iodized salt is the main source of iodine in the U.S. There exists a whole spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders from the fetus to the adult INDICATIONS: The principal use of iodine is in the prevention of iodine deficiency and possibly in fibrocystic breast disease (iodine caseinate)(1). DOSAGE: The RDA is 150mcg/day. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: It is suggested to keep the daily intake below 500 mcg/day since higher dosages can actually inhibit thyroid function. Higher intakes are also associated with acne-like eruptions. Iodine does not interact with any nutrient or drug. The thyroid gland adds iodine to tyrosine to create thyroxine (T4), which is de-iodinated in the peripheral tissues to form the active thyroid hormone, triidothyronine (T3). Iodine also seems to modulate the effect of estrogen on breast tissue. The Thorne product is potassium iodide, which exerts a stronger effect on the thyroid gland than elemental iodine.
IRON CITRATE (TM7-M238), IRON PICOLINATE Iron has been known since ancient times and is one of the most abundant metals in the universe and in the earth's crust. It has been used medicinally for millenia. Good absorbable sources of iron are veal, fish and soybeans. Other sources include wheat, lettuce, corn, blackbeans, brewer's yeast, molasses pumpkin and squash seeds. There is a spectrum of symptoms related to deficiency including anemia, impaired work tolerance and temperature regulation, scholastic underachievement and behavioral disorders in children. Gastrointestinal complaints, alteration in the nails and neurologic complaints may also occur. INDICATIONS: The principal use of iron is in iron-deficiency anemia and in restless leg syndrome (1). DOSAGE: Recommended dosage is 30mg of iron twice daily between meals. If this causes abdominal discomfort take 30 mg three times a day with meals. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Elevated iron levels is associated with increased heart attack risk in the context of elevated LDL cholesterol levels and increased meat intake. Iron overload is also associated with an increased risk of infection and cancer. Keep iron supplements away from children due to potentially severe toxicity with ingestion. High intakes of other minerals including calcium, magnesium and zinc interfere with iron absorption while vitamin C enhances absorption. Most of the body's iron is found in the iron porphyrin complex of hemoglobin. Smaller amounts are found in the tissues as myoglobin and in many enzymes involved in energy production, metabolism and DNA synthesis. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the United States occurring in 30-50% in some population groups. The population at greatest risk is the elderly with the high incidence of gastric hypochlorhydria, a condition associated with poor iron absorption. Even slight iron-deficiency anemia is associated with reduced work capacity and productivity and impairment of temperature regulation. Deficiency is found in restless leg syndrome as well as in akasthetic psychiatric patients. Iron supplementation improves restless leg syndrome.
SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: anemia, angular stomatitis, anorexia, fragile bones, cold sensitivity, confusion, constipation, depression, digestive disturbance, dizziness, dysphagia, exertional palpitations, fatigue, growth impairment, headaches, irritability, brittle nails, inflamed tongue MAGNESIUM - Magnesium citrate, Magnesium Glycinate Plus The metal, magnesium, is involved in at least 300 enzymatic processes, and an increasing number of clinical disorders is being discovered related to deficiency. The best food sources include tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Supplementation has shown benefit in numerous clinical disorders including heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, fibromyalgia, headaches, osteoporosis, and menstrual problems. INDICATIONS: Reduced magnesium levels are implicated and supplementation effective in many conditions including asthma and COPD (1,2), cardiovascular disease (3), acute myocardial infarction (4), angina (5), cardiac arrhythmia's (6), cardiomyopathy (7), congestive heart failure (8), high blood pressure (9), intermittent claudication (10), low LDL-cholesterol levels (11), mitral valve prolapse (12), prevention of cerebrovascular ischemia (13), diabetes and hypoglycemia (14), eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome(15), fatigue(16), fibromyalgia(17), glaucoma(18), hearing loss(19), kidney stones(20), migraine and tension headaches(21), osteoporosis(22), pregnancy(23), and premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea(24). DOSAGE: Recommended supplementation is 6mg/2.2 pounds of body weight. For the above conditions, twice this amount is recommended. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should not take magnesium or potassium except by physician orders. Occasionally supplementation causes loose stools. Magnesium interacts extensively with other minerals affecting each other's absorption. Vitamin B6 works intracellularly with magnesium and increases intracellular levels. A high intake of calcium and dairy foods fortified with vitamin D decrease magnesium absorption. Diuretics, insulin, digitalis and other drugs affect magnesium status. Magnesium bound to Kreb's cycle intermediates is easily absorbed and the Kreb's cycle intermediates may reduce fatigue. They are better absorbed than inorganic mineral salts such as magnesium chloride, oxide or carbonate. Magnesium is essential in the many reactions requiring ATP and is a co-factor in over 300 enzymatic processes. Sixty percent of the body's magnesium is contained within bone and magnesium is second only to potassium as the body's most abundant intracellular cation. Magnesium deficiency is extremely common and low levels increase susceptibility to a variety of disease including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, insomnia, fatigue, weakness, confusion, anorexsia and predisposition to stress. Low serum levels reflect end-stage deficiency and an erythrocyte magnesium level is a more sensitive test. Magnesium relaxes bronchial smooth muscles, benefiting patients with asthma and COPD. Adequate magnesium levels are important for good cardiovascular function. It has a number of effects helpful in acute myocardial infarction including increased energy production, dilation of coronary arteries, reduced peripheral vascular resistance, inhibited platelet aggregation and improved cardiac rhythm. These mechanisms also explain its benefit in angina, arrhythmia's and cardiomyopathy. Magnesium levels are depleted in patient's with congestive heart failure, intermittent claudication and mitral valve prolapse patients and an inverse relationship has been found between magnesium levels and blood pressure values. Deficiency appears to increase LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol. Cerebrovascular spasm can result from magnesium deficiency increasing the risk of cerebral ischemia. Supplementation improves glucose tolerance and red cell fluidity, and a deficiency occurs in diabetics. Patients with eosinophilic myalgia syndrome have a decrease in skeletal ATP concentration, perhaps related to tissue magnesium deficiency, and deficiency can lead to fatigue and possibly to fibromyalgia. Magnesium is known as a natural calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers can improve glaucoma, as does magnesium. The theory of it's benefit in hearing loss relates to it's importance in regulating cellular membrane permeability and energy production, and an epidemiological association has been noted between low levels and noise-induce hearing loss. Magnesium increases calcium solubility in the urine, resulting in decreased kidney stone formation. Magnesium deficiency is noted in migraine patients and benefit is noted with supplementation. Magnesium is important for Vitamin D metabolism, explaining why decreased levels, found in patients with osteoporosis, and may be a factor in causing the condition. Deficiency occurs in preeclampsia patients and those with premenstrual syndrome, and both groups benefit from ssupplementation. 
SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY: agitation, anemia, anxiety, ataxia, arrythmias, confusion, depression, disorientation, eclampsia, edema, fasciculations, hallucinations, cold hands and feet, hyperactivity, hypertension, hypotension, hypothermia, insomnia, irritability, kidney stones, muscle pains, muscle tremors, weakness, nausea/vomiting, nervousness, nystagmus, neuromuscular irritability, organic brain syndrome, paresthesias, increased startle response, restlessness, seizures, sonophobia, tachycardia, vertigoMANGANESE - Manganese citrate and Manganese picolinate The metal, manganese, was first considered an essential nutrient in 1931 and is involved in a number of enzyme reactions in the body. Human deficiency has not been well defined. Good food sources include nuts and grains. INDICATIONS: Manganese deficiency and/or supplementation have been studied in strains, sprains, inflammation (1), epilepsy (2) and diabetes (3). DOSAGE: Dosage for strains, sprains and inflammation is 50-200mg/day in divided dosages for two weeks then 15 to 30mg/day; in epilepsy the dosage is 15-30mg/day and in diabetes, 5-15mg/day. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Dietary supplementation with manganese has an extremely low level of toxicity. Environmental exposure from pollution or mining can cause "manganese madness", a psychiatric disorder. Manganese can inhibit absorption of iron, copper and zinc and conversely, high intakes of magnesium, calcium, iron, copper and zinc may inhibit manganese absorption. Antacids may inhibit manganese absorption. Manganese is necessary for the activation of hydrolase, decarboxylase and transferase enzymes involved in blood sugar control, energy metabolism and thyroid hormone function. It also functions in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD prevents damage by super oxide free radicals. It is required for the activation of glycosyltransferases, which catalyze the transfer of sugar moieties to generate complex glycoproteins, and is a necessary factor for enolase, a glycolysis enzyme. The increase in levels of SOD with manganese may explain its benefit in strains, sprains and inflammation. Levels are reduced in epileptics and in addition, manganese, in the central nervous system is critical for glucose utilization, adenylate cyclase activity, and neurotransmitter control. This suggests a therapeutic influence in epilepsy. Finally, not only is manganese necessary for enzymes involved in blood sugar control, studies show reduced levels of this metal in diabetics. Supplementation should be considered in diabetics.
MOLYBDENUM - Molybdenum picolinate The metal molybdenum was found to be essential in human nutrition in 1953 although human deficiency does not appear to be prevalent. Good dietary sources include lentils, split peas, cauliflower, green peas, brewer's yeast and wheat germ. INDICATIONS: It has possible application in sulfite sensitivity (1), cancer prevention (2), cavity prevention (3) and Wilson's Disease (4). DOSAGE: Dosage is 200 to 500 micrograms daily. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Very high dosages of 10 to 15 mg/day can produce gout-like symptoms otherwise molybdenum is relatively non-toxic. It interacts only with copper and fluoride. There are no drug interactions.Molybdenum is a trace mineral in the metalloprotein enzymes xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase and sulfite oxidase involved in uric acid formation, alcohol detoxification and sulfur metabolism. Diminished levels can lead to sulfite allergy or sensitivity. Decreased levels are associated epidemiologically with esophageal cancer, related, perhaps to its importance in helping to detoxify carcinogenic chemicals. Finally, molybdenum can form complexes with copper and protein. Blocking copper absorption or making serum copper non-toxic. This explains its benefit in Wilson's Disease.
POTASSIUM - Potassium citrate Potassium is the most abundant metal inside the cells of the body. It effects the voltage potential across the membranes of all cells and determines what is called the "ionic strength" of a cell. Potassium deficiency can result in weakness and cardiovascular problems including a disturbance in the heart rhythm. Numerous studies also indicate that our high sodium, low potassium diet is a significant factor in the development of cancer and cardiovascular diseases including high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables have a high potassium to sodium ratio with good sources of potassium including avocado, potato, lima beans, tomato, banana, chicken and fish. The Potassium sodium ratio in chicken and fish is much lower though than it is in fruit and vegetables. INDICATIONS: The American diet has a potassium to sodium ratio of 1:2 compared to the recommended dietary ratio of 5:1. This potassium:sodium ratio imbalance is associated with hypertension (1), heart disease, stroke(2) and cancer(3). Potassium supplementation is indicated in potassium depletion such as occurs with inadequate diet, sweating, diarrhea and vomiting, or the use of drugs such as diuretics, laxatives and aspirin. Supplementation is also beneficial in hypertension, independent of depletion (4). DOSAGE: The RDA is 1.9 gm to 5.6 gm/day. If the diet does not meet the RDA, supplementation is important for good health. This is particularly true in the elderly, athletes, and people with high blood pressure. SIDE EFFECTS: Potassium citrate, one of the Thorne products, specifically impedes calcium precipitation in the urine (5). Potassium supplementation is safe except in people with kidney disease. It is also contraindicated in patients taking digitalis, potassium-sparing diuretics, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors except under physician supervision. As noted above, an improper sodium:potassium ratio is associated with hypertension. In addition to altering one's diet, potassium supplementation alone is associated with reduced blood pressure.
SELENIUM - Selenium citrate and selenium picolinate The metal selenium was first considered essential in 1957 and the first demonstration of a function in mammals was in 1973. The toxicity of high dosages was actually noted earlier in the 1930's in livestock and can be toxic in humans at dosages over 900 mcg/day. The richest food sources are organ meats and seafoods followed by muscle meats and cereals and grains. It is an essential element of one of the main anti-oxidant enzymes in the human body, gluathione peroxidase. This explains its benefit in a number of "oxidative" conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions and cataracts. INDICATIONS: Deficiency of selenium, or beneficial supplementation has been studied in a number of conditions including cancer (1,2), immune function (3), cardiovascular disease (4), inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (5), eczema and psoriasis (6), cataracts (7), pregnancy (8) and SIDS (9). DOSAGE: There is no RDA for selenium, but for adults a daily intake of 50 to 200 mcg is often recommended. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Selenium can be toxic at dosages over 900 mcg/day. For children, 1.5 mcg/lb is recommended. A manufacturing error in 1983 and 1984, with 27.3 mg of selenium/tablet produced 13 cases of selenium toxicity with depression, GI symptoms and loss of nails and vomiting. These tablets unfortunately contained 182 times the labeled amount of selenium. Other antioxidants work synergistically with selenium in raising glutathione peroxidase activity. Absorption is reduced by heavy metals including lead, mercury and cadmium, high dosages of vitamin C, and perhaps other trace metals such as zinc. Various drugs, including chemotherapeutic agents may increase selenium requirements. Selenium is incorporated, as selenocysteine, at four active sites in the anti-oxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme protects against free-radical and oxidative damage by catalyzing the destruction of H2O2 and lipid peroxides. This, in turn, protects membrane lipids and hemoglobin against oxidation by peroxides. Selenium is also antioxidant on its own, is involved in the production of thyroid hormone, is antagonistic to heavy metals like lead, mercury, aluminum and cadmium, and reduces the amount of vitamin E necessary for the maintenance of membrane stability and integrity. It is a synergistic nutritional partner of vitamin E. Inorganic salts of selenium like sodium selenite are less well absorbed and less biologically active than organic forms such as selenium citrate or selenium picolinate. Low levels of selenium and glutathione peroxidase are found in cancer subjects as well as patients with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis, and deficient levels result in impaired immune function. Selenium increases levels of the lymphokine, interleukin-2, which enhances lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. Low selenium and, possibly, glutathione peroxidase levels are also found in heart disease patients. Cataract formation is related to free-radical damage, which is countered by superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione dismutase. The latter enzyme is selenium dependent, and, of interest, are the decreased selenium levels found in the aqueous humor of cataract patients. Selenium is essential for proper fetal growth and development, and there is evidence that selenium deficiency can render an infant's heart susceptible to oxidative damage, a possible factor in sudden infant death syndrome.
INDICATIONS: Studies are limited although one showed benefit for skin, hair and nails in aging women (1). DOSAGE: There is no RDA for silicon but the estimated daily requirement is 5 to 10mg/day. Daily dosages should not exceed 50mg. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Although regarded as non-toxic increased silicon along with aluminum is found in the neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer Disease brains. The implication for silicon is unknown. No interactions are known. Silicon is the second most abundant element after oxygen on earth, and crystalline silicon (quartz) is the earth's crust most abundant mineral. We do not know it's exact biological role and human deficiency has not been demonstrated. We do know that it required for proper functioning of prohydroxylase, an enzyme important in the formation of collagen and possibly bone calcification. This may explains it's popular use for strengthening bone, connective tissue, hair and skin. In animals, deficiency is associated with abnormal ligament, tendon and bone integrity.
VANADIUM - Vanadyl sulfate INDICATIONS: One study showed improved glucose control with vanadium in non-insulin dependent diabetics (1) DOSAGE: Although high dosages of 15-100mg/day have been suggested, there is no data regarding possible toxicity at this dosage. 50-100mcg/day is considered a safe dosage. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: High dosages caused cramps and diarrhea in one study. Excessive levels of vanadium have been linked to manic-depressive disorder. Vanadium, as vandate, can inhibit the sodium-potassium pump, an effect reduced by lithium. No other interactions are known. Vanadium is a trace metal discovered in 1830 and only recently considered to be an essential nutrient. There are few studies in humans, most conducted in animals showing improved glucose tolerance, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and improved mineralization of bones and teeth. One study in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients did show improved hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity with vanadyl sulfate. It has been popular with bodybuilders.
ZINC - Zinc citrate and zinc picolinate INDICATIONS: Zinc deficiency or the benefits of supplementation have been studied in a number of circumstances including pregnancy outcome (1), immune function (2, the common cold (3), male sexual function (4), rheumatoid arthritis (5), acne (6), macular degeneration (7), Alzheimer's disease (8), Wilson's disease (9) and acrodermatitis enteropathica. DOSAGE: The dosage for general health support is 15 to 20 mg/day. For specific needs, the dosage range is 30 - 60mg/day for men and 30 - 45mg/day for women. SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS: Prolonged intake at greater than 150 mg/day can produce toxicity including copper-deficiency anemia, reduced HDL - cholesterol levels and depressed immune function. Very large amounts cause vomiting. If taken on an empty stomach it can cause GI upset and nausea. Zinc competes with copper for absorption, and other minerals including high dose calcium and iron as well as high-fiber foods can impede zinc absorption. Do not take with high-fiber foods. It does not interact negatively with any drug. Zinc is a component in over 200 enzymes is involved in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral. It is also essential to many hormones including thymic hormones, insulin, growth and sex hormones. Most clinical studies use zinc sulfate, but organic forms of zinc including zinc citrate and zinc picolinate are better absorbed and utilized. Picolinic acid, a tryptophan metabolite, is important for zinc absorption, and zinc picolinate is absorbed to a higher degree than other zinc supplements. Zinc picolinate also has the greatest efficacy in reversing the zinc deficiency in acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE), a rare genetic disorder characterized by a severe zinc deficiency. Patients with AE have a defect in the metabolism of tryptophan leading to picolinic acid deficiency. Zinc is required for proper cell division, explaining its role in fetal development. In addition to direct anti-viral activity, it is extensively involved in immunity. In addition, it is involved in male hormone metabolism, sperm formation and motility. Deficiency is associated with decreased testosterone levels and sperm counts, and is associated with male infertility. Zinc is deficient in rheumatoid arthritis patients, which presumably reduces the activity of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, an important anti-oxidant enzyme. Zinc may also be reduced in patients with acne vulgaris and macular degeneration. Of interest is that retinal zinc concentrations are the highest in the body. Most of the enzymes involved in DNA replication, repair, and transcription contain zinc. This fact plus the importance of zinc to anti-oxidant enzymes and the marked deficiency in the brain and spinal fluid of Alzheimer Disease patients, helps explain it's benefit in this disorder. Finally, zinc can interfere with copper absorption, benefiting patients with Wilson's Disease.
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