Zinc-ACE

[Questions & Answers]

Why have you combined zinc with other nutrients in Zinc-ACE?

Zinc-ACE provides the mineral zinc with other key nutrients required for healthy immunity and reproductive health.

This mineral in combination with antioxidant vitamins C and E plays a key role in antioxidant cell protection and the maintenance of healthy immunity. Both zinc and vitamin C are also important for healthy sperm and zinc in particular for prostate health.

The B-vitamins emphasised in this product (vitamin B6, Folic Acid and vitamin B12) help to protect the body against the formation of homocysteine, an undesirable molecule, associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

What role has zinc to play with healthy immunity?

Zinc is generally recognised to play a key role in healthy immunity.

Low zinc levels in animals and children were associated with an increased susceptibility to infection and thymic atrophy. Zinc gluconate lozenges were shown in one study to shorten the duration of the common cold.

Why should I take a zinc supplement?

Zinc levels in cereal, a staple food in the UK, can be dramatically reduced if the grains have been refined. Whilst severe zinc deficiency is rare, marginal zinc deficiency may be more common. The most vulnerable may include those who are developing or reproducing. Zinc is also required for tissue synthesis, a process that takes place all the time, as the body repairs itself from the normal wear and tear of daily life. This aspect may be particularly relevant when it comes to wound healing.

One of the first signs of marginal zinc status includes a reduced sense of taste or smell. Sometimes white spots on the fingernails may also be an indication of suboptimal zinc status.

Is it true that zinc may be helpful for wound healing?

It may be helpful to try a zinc food supplement for a period of time, as marginal zinc status has been linked with poor wound healing, but this has not yet been conclusively proven.

I have read recently that taking zinc is good for the eyes. What is the evidence for this?

One of the highest concentration of zinc in the body is found in the choroid of the eye. This mineral is also essential for vitamin A metabolism, another important nutrient for the eyes.

Researchers of The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), which was sponsored by the US National Eye Institute (NEI), found that those taking antioxidant vitamins with the addition of zinc had a lower risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) than those who did not take the zinc.

Zinc is supposed to be good for the skin. How does it work?

Skin cells have a very high turn-over rate, and as zinc is required for cell replication it has a particular relevance for healthy skin. Zinc is required for the conversion of essential fatty acids to hormone-like components, referred to as prostaglandins. A deficiency of prostaglandins has been linked to poor skin health in general, but particularly dry skin.

Can I take Zinc-ACE if I am planning pregnancy, if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?

It is important that those planning pregnancy or pregnant obtain proper dietary advice. Healthy eating should form the basis of good nutrition. The mineral zinc is necessary for growth, which explains why this mineral is of particular importance during this time of life.

Whilst all ingredients found in Zinc-ACE are deemed safe for food supplements, which are classed as a food, we always recommend that those planning pregnancy, who are pregnant or breast-feeding consult their doctor prior to taking any food supplements. There are a number of products on the market that have been designed specially for this time of life and Zinc-ACE may well serve as an adjunct to one of these products.

I read that zinc is lost through ejaculation and that it is needed for healthy sperm. Is this true?

Prostate tissue has one of the highest zinc concentrations in the body. Zinc is secreted from the prostate into the semen, keeping the latter in a quiet state and inhibiting the premature release of enzymes needed for sperm to penetrate an ovum.

According to Dr. Sarah Brewer, approximately 5 mg of zinc is lost with each ejaculation.

Is it true that zinc may help improve teenage acne?

Swedish studies indicate that zinc supplementation may well be of benefit for acne sufferers, particularly those suffering from pustular and papular acne, but to date this has not been proven conclusively.

Can I take Zinc-ACE with another vitamin and mineral supplement?

If you are taking other food supplements please ensure that the daily maximum safety limit for the active ingredients of the products is not exceeded.

Click here to view advice on upper safe levels for supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

How much zinc can I take on a daily basis?

In short bursts it would be safe to take up to 50 mg of zinc per day. However, long-term use of zinc should remain around the 15 mg daily intake level from food supplement sources, unless advised otherwise by a medical health professional.

When is the best time to take a zinc supplement?

This mineral can be taken any time of the day, but it is important that it is taken with or after food.

Are there any likely side-effects when taking Zinc-ACE?

Zinc-ACE should be well tolerated provided the tablets are taken with a meal. As with any food, there is always a possibility that individuals may have a sensitivity to one or more ingredients contained in the product. We always recommend that in the event of any unusual symptoms being noted upon taking our products they should be discontinued and if necessary a doctor consulted to rule out any other cause for the symptoms.

Taking zinc supplements on an empty stomach may cause nausea.

Is Zinc-ACE suitable for vegetarians?

Yes.

Is Zinc-ACE suitable for me, as I am on a yeast-free diet?

Yes, this product is free from yeast.

I am allergic to gluten. Can I take Zinc-ACE?

Zinc-ACE is completely free from gluten and is suitable for coeliacs.

I am allergic to dairy products, can I still take Zinc-ACE?

Zinc-ACE is completely free from ingredients sourced from dairy milk products.

What are good food sources of zinc?

Oysters, red meat, nuts, seeds, pulses and whole grain cereal.