Zinc Deficient?

Most people are to one extent or another. Good news – there is now an easy way to test and treat this growing problem. 

The problem: 73% of all Americans do not get the RDA of zinc. The problem is due to depleted soils, refining of grains, and now calcium supplementation. Calcium competes with zinc when ingested together and can reduce the absorption of zinc by 50%.

Also, many have low stomach acid, which reduces the ability of the body to absorb the little zinc you do ingest.

Zinc deficiency affects brain function and immune function and sexual function. Zinc deficiency has been linked with rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, asthma, aids and other chronic diseases.

The test: There is now an easy test. You take some liquid zinc in your mouth and hold it for a minute. Observe the taste – if it is very bitter or gradually becomes very bitter within the minute, you have enough zinc in your tissues. If just tastes like water or gets a little fuzzy tasting, you are deficient in zinc.

The treatment: Supplemental zinc. This is the tricky part. Right now I am suggesting 100-150 mg. per day (away from meals) until you can pass the taste test. Then go down to a more reasonable level of about 25 mg. per day. If you are taking the high level for very long (longer than a month) you need to worry about copper depletion. It is best if you are working with a health care professional to advise you if you need it. If you need it you may add 4 mg. copper per day (taken at a different time from the zinc). If the zinc makes you nauseous, you are taking too much.

Sources: Biotics Research or Metagenics for the liquid zinc. For the zinc, find a good source of zinc gluconate or zinc aspartate – I use Biotics Research.

For more info: WARNING! ZINC DEFICIENCY — AS CAUSE OF MODERN ILLNESSES

ZINC DEFICIENCY: AN ALARMING TREND IN U.S. HEALTH