Facts About Zinc (Assessment and Treatment)

Identifying and treating zinc deficiency can lead to improved mental health for many people. Below are important facts about zinc in the areas of assessment and treatment.

Assessing Zinc Status

Accurately assessing zinc levels is difficult because there is no generally accepted standard test for zinc status. Levels in whole blood, plasma, red blood cells, urine and hair are probably the most useful, although not definitive. A test used by many naturopathic practitioners known as the zinc taste test appears to be of some value in determining general zinc status, but should not be used as the only measurement.

Ultimately, the ideal measurement of zinc status is to use multiple methods.

Treating Zinc Deficiency

Improving zinc levels should consist of the following:

Dietary Changes.

• Increase the consumption of foods high in zinc e.g. pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, seafood, animal meats, seafood, organ meats, mushrooms, brewer’s yeast, soybeans, eggs, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, wheat bran.

• Reduce foods high in phytates e.g., cereal grains, legumes, and nuts such as linseed, tofu, soybeans, corn, peanuts, kidney beans, rye, oat bran, wheat and barley. Cooking the food will reduce the phytic acid to some degree.

• Consume alcohol in moderation

Supplementation.

• Supplementing with zinc is an effective way to increase zinc status with repletion dosages ranging from 15 to 200 milligrams.

• Zinc is a mineral of low toxicity, however, dosages higher than 200 milligrams a day can produce side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pains, and fatigue. This is quickly resolved with reduced intake.

• Chronic zinc supplementation can reduce copper levels, so copper levels need to be monitored. Some studies have shown that zinc can also reduce the effects of selenium and vitamin A, so supplementation of these nutrients may be beneficial.

• Zinc comes in different forms the best ones being acetate, gluconate, amino acid chelate, picolinate and sulfate forms.

• Generally it is best taking zinc away from food, supplements and medications as nutrients such as iron, calcium and folic acid can inhibit absorption.

If you believe that zinc deficiency may be affecting your mental health, seek support from a knowledgeable and competent practitioner.

For Information about Zinc Facts and Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency, click here