Zinc
Chelated Zinc and Methionine
for Men’s Health

Zinc and Men’s Hormonal Balance
 
Zinc is one of the most important supplements for men’s health with the highest concentrations in the prostate gland.2  It is a key mineral in male sexual function and a protector nutrient against prostate cancer.1,3
 
Zinc deficiency syndromes in men can be present in different ways.  For example, low testosterone and low sperm counts may be signs of a zinc deficiency.1  Men with excessive estrogen levels despite normal testosterone levels may also lack this mineral.4  Increased estrogen levels can result from elevated amounts of the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen.4   Excess estrogen is also known as estrogen dominance. 
 
For the aging male population, zinc supplementation can be indicated for several reasons. It inhibits the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that irreversibly converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and may be helpful in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).1  
  
DIM is a dietary supplement that can help the body metabolize excess estrogen. It is also said to be an aromatase inhibitor which means it prevents the aromatase enzyme from converting testosterone into estrogen.
 
Progesta-Care for Men is another supplement that can help decrease estrogen dominance and support healthy prostate function.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

• Acne
• Anorexia
• Delayed wound healing
• Depression
• Difficulty hearing
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Impaired sense of taste or smell
• Joint pain
• Light sensitivity
• Night Blindness
• Problems with hair, skin, or nails
• Weak sexual function or sterility

Zinc and Immunity

“Adequate zinc intake is essential in maintaining the integrity of the immune system,5 and zinc deficient individuals are known to experience increased susceptibility to a variety of infectious agents.”6

Zinc's role in strengthening the immune system is rapidly being recognized as critical. Without enough zinc, the body cannot produce thymulin, a substance which helps make mature T-cells, some of the body's strongest defenders against infections and disease. The immune system weakens with age, and zinc deficiency may be partly to blame.

Genetic Expression

Groundbreaking research in zinc is its role in genetic transcription and replication. The discovery of "zinc fingers," which activate hundreds of genes, promises understanding of how growth promoters, like steroids,  work and may help treat tumors and viral diseases.  Zinc finger proteins bind to DNA by wrapping around small sections of DNA molecules, activating a gene.  Research into zinc finger proteins has already explained some genetic defects.

Zinc and Vitalzym

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It is necessary for the enzymes that regulate cell division, growth, wound healing, and proper functioning of the immune system.

According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, “nearly 100 different enzymes depend on zinc for their ability to catalyze vital chemical reactions. Zinc-dependent enzymes can be found in all known classes of enzymes.”7

Zinc is an enzyme co-factor that assists the body in absorbing enzymes, such as those found in Vitalzym, to help them work as efficiently as possible in the body.

If you are using Vitalzym for any condition, you may not be utilizing the enzymes as well as possible because you may have low levels of zinc. 

Between 15 and 50 mg a day is suggested to optimize enzyme absorption, the immune system, and hormonal balance.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: One (1) Vegetarian Capsule

Servings per Container: 60 Capsules

Amount per Serving: 25 mg. Zinc (zinc monomethionine)

Zinc monomethionine is a 1:1 chelated complex of the antioxidants zinc and methionine. Human and animal studies have demonstrated that zinc monomethionine is more effective than other zinc supplements tested. Zinc monomethionine has been shown to stimulate new cell growth, enhance immunity, nourish skin structures, support male sexual function, and fight free radical damage.     

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (Vcap).

Contains no added sugar, starch, salt, wheat, gluten, corn, coloring, dairy products, flavoring or preservatives.

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 to 2 capsules daily with meals or as directed by a health care professional.

Possible Zinc Side Effects

Long-term supplementation at doses above 50 mg/day can induce a copper deficiency and has been shown to cause an increase in cholesterol and lower HDL levels.5 Supplementing copper with the zinc should eliminate this problem.8

If your multi-vitamin/mineral formula contains copper and zinc, please factor the amount into your daily intake. For those who live in areas where there are high copper levels in water, there may not be a need to supplement with copper.

People with estrogen dominance may not need to add copper into their daily regimen, due to the fact that copper is generally high when this condition is present. Additionally, high levels of copper can be reduced by taking zinc alone.

Individuals who are not sure if they should take copper while supplementing with zinc may want to have their copper levels tested prior to adding it to their diet.

Doses above 150 mg/day can be problematic and cause diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, muscle in-coordination, and lethargy.9

Zinc Monomethionine Chelated Zinc and Methionine from Vitamin Research Products 60 Capsules - 25 mg. 7.00 - Discount Price (Reg $7.95) Quantity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Add to cart

References:

1. Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing; 1998.

2. Burton Goldberg Group. Alternative Medicine. Tiburon, CA: Future Medicine Publishing Inc; 1997.

3. Pelton R, LaValle JB, Hawkins EB, et al. Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook. 2nd ed. Cincinnati, OH: Natural Health Resources; 2001.

4. Schauss AG. Minerals, Trace Elements, and Human Health. 4th ed. Tacoma, WA: Biosocial Publications; 1999.

5. Baum MK, Shor-Posner G, Campa A. Zinc status in human immunodeficiency virus infection. J Nutr. 2000;130(5S Suppl):1421S-1423S.

6. Shankar, A.H. & Prasad, A.S. Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1998; volume 68: pages 447S-463S.

7. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Zinc. Dietary reference intakes for vitamin A, vitamin K, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press; 2001:442-501.

8. Challem J. The Inflammation Syndrome. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc; 2003.

9. Zini A, Fischer MA, Nam RK, Jarvi K. Use of alternative and hormonal therapies in male infertility. Urology. 2004;63:141-143.