AAs summer rolls on and winter draws near for some us thoughts will turn to making it a time as comfortable as possible in spite of the inclement weather we might expect. For a lot of us this means making sure that our health is in top shape and the medicine cabinet is stocked with all the necessary items to beat the winter blues.
Zinc is a Key Mineral for contributing to normal function of the immune system.
Prospects of the common cold, influenza, sore throats and a plethora of aches and chills are just a few weeks away and this is a good time to think about some strategies to beat the winter blues. However recent studies into one major area for normal function of the immune system has thrown up some very interesting facts that people should be aware of. It is the whole area of zinc supplements and zinc deficiency.
Many of us run for the zinc lozenges zinc tablets and zinc sprays and gels at the first sniffle or the first sign of a flu or cold. But wait here a moment. Research has found that we may be doing more harm than good. Zinc contributes to normal function of the immune system by stimulating the thymus gland to produce thymulin – thymulin in turn stimulates T-cell and T4 helper cells. These cells can be present in low numbers when individuals are zinc deficient.
The problem is that the immune system is sensitive to zinc concentrations in the blood. Too little or too much zinc can have a negative effect on the immune system response. So, before you race to the cabinet and take 25 or 50 mg of zinc remember that fact and also remember that excessive zinc consumption can lead to neuro degenerative problems as it is toxic in high doses.
So how much is enough I hear you say? Firstly, remember that the WHO (World Health Organisation) estimates that up to 80% of Western society may be zinc deficient. This is mainly due to the poor nutrient availability in processed foods and fast food which are so common place nowadays and also to poor eating habits that are associated with modern lifestyles and corporate advertising. Meanwhile, the RDA for zinc is 11mg per day for men and 9 mg per day for women. This RDA actually varies between Governments and some set it as high as 15mg for both men and women and slightly higher again for pregnant and lactating women.
Based on this these facts alone a daily supplement of zinc should really provide no more than 3 or 4 mg of zinc with the rest coming from diet. Then one has to assume how bio available the zinc supplement in question is. If it claims to be highly bio available and a tablet contains 25 mg of zinc gluconate, zinc sulphate or some chelated form of zinc then one can immediately see the problem. How can one be sure of how much of the zinc they take is actually absorbed?
The bio availability issue is a very pertinent one and the bioavailability of many synthetic zinc supplements is very questionable. However, there is a support that many may not consider and it comes from beneath the waves of an ocean near you. It’s called oyster extract powder. Oysters are among the highest natural source of zinc. This zinc in oyster extract powder is highly bio available as it is already bound to active transport molecules making it easily absorbed. Another important aspect is also that along with the zinc you have zinc co-factors like copper and selenium as well as vitamin B12 and iodine which play a part in maintaining proper physiological functioning.
If you want to try an oyster extract powder supplement email the manufacturer and ask them how much zinc is in each capsule of the product. Only the more conscientious brands will know this, be aware of this and be able to recommend a daily dosage based on this. With some brands you may have to take 20 capsules to get 3 or 4 milligrams of organic zinc while with some of the better brands this could be only 3 or 4 capsules daily assuming they have manufactured the powder with zinc potency in mind.
The bottom line is that taking an oyster extract powder supplement to assist in normal functioning of the immune system response in winter is probably one of the safest and most effective ways to augment what should be a healthy lifestyle during those months when we are at risk.
Not a substitute for a varied diet.
Think before you zinc!
