Tagged with 'macular-degeneration'

Zinc is called an “essential trace element” because it's necessary for numerous chemical processes that take place within a cell. It's required for the activity of approximately 100 enzymes and it plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. To maintain a steady state of zinc, daily intake is required because our bodies don’t have a specialized system for storing zinc.

Let's talk about six health issues when supplemental zinc may be appropriate.

Immune Function and the Common Cold

The relationship between zinc and the immune system is complex since there are four different ways zinc influences the immune system. Although technical, zinc does indeed help the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses.

There is reliable and relatively consistent data showing zinc is most effective at treating the common cold when taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Zinc lozenges used at the first sign of a cold have been shown to help stop the virus and shorten the illness.

Lozenges containing zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, and, in most trials, zinc acetate have been effective; most other forms of zinc and lozenges flavored with citric acid, tartaric acid, sorbitol, or mannitol have been ineffective.

For the alleviation of cold symptoms, lozenges providing 13 to 25 mg of zinc (as zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, or zinc acetate) are used every two hours while awake but only for several days. Remember, the best effect is obtained when lozenges are used at the first sign of a cold.

Wound Healing

Long ago, during my first dietitian job at a hospital, I handled the nutrition piece within the hospital’s wound care clinic. I learned a lot about the value of eating specific nutrients to help heal these gnarly open wounds and sores. Zinc was one of those specific nutrients I often suggested the patients take. It’s important in the formation of collagen, a critical component in healing wound, and can enhance the wound-healing process.

Diarrhea

Studies in developing countries found zinc may reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea in poorly nourished children, especially those with low zinc levels.

Male Fertility

There’s reliable and relatively consistent information showing a zinc deficiency leads to reduced numbers of sperm and impotence in men. Taking zinc may correct this problem and improve sperm quality. The ideal amount of supplemental zinc remains unknown, but some doctors recommend 30 mg two times per day. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This eye disease gradually causes vision loss. Research suggests zinc might help keep early age-related macular degeneration from worsening into advanced AMD. More research is needed before doctors can recommend zinc supplements for AMD, but people who have or are developing it might want to talk to their doctor about taking zinc.

Stomach Ulcers

The healing process of stomach ulcers may be enhanced through treatment with zinc, although more studies are needed to more clearly determine its effects. Most studies report few or no side effects associated with its use.

Recommended Dietary Allowances for Zinc

As suggested by National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements:

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

References:

Prasad AS, Cossack ZT. Zinc supplementation and growth in sickle cell disease. Ann Intern Med 1984;100:367-71.

National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc Fact Sheet for Consumers. 

Recommended Daily Allowances for Zinc chart: US Dept of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health/Office of Dietary Supplements, found here: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/#h4

Zinc is called an “essential trace element” because it's necessary for numerous chemical processes that take place within a cell. It's required for the activity of approximately 100 enzymes and it plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. To maintain a steady state of zinc, daily intake is required because our bodies don’t have a specialized system for storing zinc.

Let's talk about six health issues when supplemental zinc may be appropriate.

Immune Function and the Common Cold

The relationship between zinc and the immune system is complex since there are four different ways zinc influences the immune system. Although technical, zinc does indeed help the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses.

There is reliable and relatively consistent data showing zinc is most effective at treating the common cold when taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Zinc lozenges used at the first sign of a cold have been shown to help stop the virus and shorten the illness.

Lozenges containing zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, and, in most trials, zinc acetate have been effective; most other forms of zinc and lozenges flavored with citric acid, tartaric acid, sorbitol, or mannitol have been ineffective.

For the alleviation of cold symptoms, lozenges providing 13 to 25 mg of zinc (as zinc gluconate, zinc gluconate-glycine, or zinc acetate) are used every two hours while awake but only for several days. Remember, the best effect is obtained when lozenges are used at the first sign of a cold.

Wound Healing

Long ago, during my first dietitian job at a hospital, I handled the nutrition piece within the hospital’s wound care clinic. I learned a lot about the value of eating specific nutrients to help heal these gnarly open wounds and sores. Zinc was one of those specific nutrients I often suggested the patients take. It’s important in the formation of collagen, a critical component in healing wound, and can enhance the wound-healing process.

Diarrhea

Studies in developing countries found zinc may reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea in poorly nourished children, especially those with low zinc levels.

Male Fertility

There’s reliable and relatively consistent information showing a zinc deficiency leads to reduced numbers of sperm and impotence in men. Taking zinc may correct this problem and improve sperm quality. The ideal amount of supplemental zinc remains unknown, but some doctors recommend 30 mg two times per day. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This eye disease gradually causes vision loss. Research suggests zinc might help keep early age-related macular degeneration from worsening into advanced AMD. More research is needed before doctors can recommend zinc supplements for AMD, but people who have or are developing it might want to talk to their doctor about taking zinc.

Stomach Ulcers

The healing process of stomach ulcers may be enhanced through treatment with zinc, although more studies are needed to more clearly determine its effects. Most studies report few or no side effects associated with its use.

Recommended Dietary Allowances for Zinc

As suggested by National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements:

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Live Superfoods

References:

Prasad AS, Cossack ZT. Zinc supplementation and growth in sickle cell disease. Ann Intern Med 1984;100:367-71.

National Institutes of Health; Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc Fact Sheet for Consumers. 

Recommended Daily Allowances for Zinc chart: US Dept of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health/Office of Dietary Supplements, found here: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/#h4

We know there’s a correlation between what you eat and how it helps your body, but what about eats for your eyes? Eye health and loss of vision as we age are of great concern, leading many to seek preventive measures by obtaining essential nutrients through diet and/or supplementation.

Other than Bugs Bunny telling us to eat carrots, we don't always associate nutrition with eye health, but there are two little nutrients our eyes can't do without...lutein and zeaxanthin.

Here’s the skinny:

What?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants from the carotenoid family. Lutein is a pigment found in dark, green, leafy vegetables, including spinach, kale, broccoli, and collard greens. Egg yolks also provide a highly bioavailable source of lutein.  Zeaxanthin is found in fruits and vegetables with yellow hues, such as corn, peaches, persimmons, and mangoes. The two carotenoids are often lumped together when discussed or studied because they are structurally very similar, found in many of the same foods, and both are the only carotenoids present in the macula region of your eye’s retina. Because lutein and zeaxanthin are not synthesized in the body, you must acquire them either through food or dietary supplements.

Why? 

Lutein and zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, which is responsible for central vision and high-resolution visual acuity. They have been found to help prevent age-related macular degeneration by acting as a shield or filter that helps to absorb harmful UVB light and dangerous free-radical molecules, both of which threaten the retinal tissue. Simply put, as antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin sacrifice themselves to protect our eyes from damage caused by the bad guys (free radicals), occurring from daily exposure to sunlight, indoor lighting, and environmental pollutants. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in the macula naturally deplete as people age, so it is essential to maintain proper levels of these eye nutrients every day. 

How Much? 

Although there is no recommended daily intake for lutein and zeaxanthin, most recent studies show a health benefit for lutein supplementation at 10 mg or more per day and zeaxanthin supplementation at 2 mg per day.

Note:  At this time, the American Optometric Association (AOA) is unaware of any studies that have examined interactions between medications and lutein and zeaxanthin. The AOA also is not aware of any adverse health reports from interactions between medications and lutein and zeaxanthin. However, the AOA recommends consulting with a health care professional before beginning any supplementation regimen.

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Good

References:

1.  Seddon JM, Ajani UA, Sperduto RD, et al.  Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration.  Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group.  JAMA.  1994;272:1413-142.

2.  The Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group.  Antioxidant status and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.  Arch. Ophthalmol. 1993;111:104-109.

3.  Berrow EJ, Barlett HE, Eperjesi F, Gibson JM.  The effects of a lutein-based supplement on objective and subjective measures of retinal and visual function in eyes with age-related maculopathy - a randomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2012 Oct 19:1-7.

4.  Wong IYH, Koo SCY, Chan CWN.  Prevention of age-related macular degeneration.  International Ophthalmology.  2011 Feb.; 31(1):  73-82.