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What is Zinc Gluconate?

Zinc Gluconate (also called zincum gluconium) is a salt of gluconic acid and elemental zinc. As an ionic compound, Zinc Gluconate consists of one atom of zinc for every two molecules of gluconate. Zinc Gluconate is a popular nutritional supplement because of its high bioavailability and gentleness on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Zinc Gluconate is a popular nutritional raw material used with the amino acid glycine in the manufacture of oral (throat) lozenges popularly marketed and consumed as an over-the-counter remedy for the common cold (viral infection of the nasopharynx). US Patent 4,684,528 filed on 04-Aug-1987 by inventor John C. Godfrey claims that Zinc Gluconate in combination with the amino acid Glycine in a ratio of 20 moles Glycine for every atom of Zinc significantly reduces the duration and intensity of the common cold when administered with a throat lozenge. Godfrey claimed that the undesirable tastes and aftertastes of the unformulated zinc compounds were significantly reduced or eliminated when mixed with a sugary base (hard candy) and the sweet amino acid glycine.

Zinc by itself is an essential trace mineral that assists in the maintenance of the immune, reproductive, and digestive systems. It plays a crucial role in many bodily processes and functions such as in cell reproduction, hormonal balance, proper absorption of vitamins, and in protein synthesis. It is necessary for anyone who wants healthy skin, bones, hair, nails, and eyes, and is essential for making growth hormones and the important male hormone, testosterone. Zinc may also help recovery from cold & flu symptoms, canker sores, sore throat, skin injuries, tinnitus, acne, and eye problems. Additionally, since zinc strengthens the immune system, it may be effective in fighting and preventing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Aside from merely preventing or treating zinc deficiency, Zinc supplements are used for normal growth and health. For people who cannot get enough zinc in their usual diet or who have a need for additional zinc, zinc supplements may be necessary. Lack of zinc may result to poor vision at night and slow healing of wounds, a decrease in sense of taste and smell, a reduced ability to fight infections, and poor development of reproductive organs. Zinc is especially important to achieve and maintain healthy skin. If you are undergoing acne treatment, you can add zinc supplements to your regimen with your doctor’s help. It helps the body process the essential fatty acids needed to heal burns (including sunburns), wounds, hemorrhoids, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and acne. Zinc can speed up the healing process for all skin wounds, and as such can be especially beneficial to diabetics who are experiencing slow wound healing, and for people who are recovering from surgery.

What is Zinc Gluconate used for and who uses it?

Zinc has a major role in a wide array of reactions and processes. For one, Zinc works as an antioxidant and is involved in many critical biochemical reactions. Zinc plays an important role as a component of many enzymes and the catalysts of enzyme systems regulating cell growth, DNA and protein synthesis, energy metabolism, regulation of gene transcription, hormone levels, and growth factor metabolism. For many years, zinc has been used as an astringent, an antiseptic and a skin protectant. Zinc is an important mineral which is essential for protein synthesis and which helps to regulate the production of cells in the body's immune system. By boosting the immune system, zinc may also protect against fungal infections and various infectious disorders, such as conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Zinc also has some antioxidant properties, which means that it helps protect cells in the body from the potential damage caused by free radicals.

Zinc is especially important in the prostate and may protect it from early damage that could lead to cancer. As a component of many enzymes, zinc is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and energy. Zinc is important in the metabolism of vitamin A and collagen, cellular immunity, maintenance of taste acuity, and the development of reproductive organs. Zinc assists in maintaining the proper concentration of vitamin E in the blood. Zinc also plays a role in the regulation of appetite, stress level, taste, and smell. It is essential for normal growth and development, and for most aspects of reproduction in both males and females. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Zinc is used commonly to enhance wound healing. Taken before and after surgery, zinc has been shown in numerous studies to speed recovery time and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, such as wound infections. This use has the potential to greatly cut down on hospital costs. In some studies, the hospital stay has been reduced by more than half. Zinc may be helpful in speeding healing after burns or injury as well. This wound-healing effect is a likely result of zinc's function in DNA synthesis. The results seem to be particularly pronounced when there is zinc deficiency prior to the treatment.

Zinc may be useful in treating such skin problems as boils, bedsores, general dermatitis, and acne. Research on zinc and acne shows variable results, but many teenagers and others have been helped, especially when zinc deficiency was present; it is likely that other factors and nutrients are also involved in acne. Leg ulcers have healed more rapidly with zinc treatment in a dose of 150 mg. per day. Internally, gastric ulcers have responded favorably to zinc in a similar dosage. Psoriasis is even occasionally responsive to zinc supplementation. White spots on the fingernails, which can be a result of zinc deficiency, may respond also to zinc treatment. Zinc may also be helpful to general nail health, as well as skin and hair health. Cataracts also seem to be associated with zinc deficiency and have been helped by treatment.

Zinc is also used in a variety of immune problems. It is one of the supportive nutrients used to treat and strengthen the immune system. Zinc has been shown to increase T lymphocyte production and enhance other white blood cell functions. Recent double-blind studies verify that zinc therapy is helpful in reducing the incidence and severity of colds and other infections. Also, infections such as herpes, trichomoniasis, or AIDS may be curtailed some with zinc, especially if it is deficient. A dissolvable zinc lozenge can provide significant relief in cases of a sore throat, and has been shown to actively prevent the progression of viral & flu symptoms. Individuals with allergies and environmental sensitivities may benefit from zinc supplementation.

For male prostate problems, there are many anecdotal accounts from men who claim to have been helped by zinc. Mild or persistent nonbacterial infections or congestion have commonly been helped by oral zinc treatments. Of course, when zinc deficiency produces such sexual symptoms as infertility, impotency, or poor sexual development, supplementation of this mineral may have great benefit. There is some suggestion that the prostate enlargement that comes with age, termed benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), is related to low zinc (and cadmium toxicity), and that regular zinc supplementation may prevent this common problem. However more research is still needed to ascertain and substantiate zinc's relationship to prostate and sexual health.

How pure is your Zinc Gluconate?

This Zinc Gluconate Powder is assayed by the manufacturer to be 98.9% product. You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this white powder. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining 1.1% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction. Zinc is a component of the enzymes involved in most major metabolic pathways, and as such, is essential for human life. As one of the most important trace elements needed by our cells, Zinc helps our immune systems, aids in protein synthesis, cell reproduction and wound healing, and plays a major role in fertility and conception, among others. Although large amounts of Zinc are deposited in bone and muscle, unfortunately these stores of Zinc are not easily available to the rest of the body. Additionally, even if Zinc is naturally present in various food sources such as meat, poultry, dairy products, beans, whole grains and nuts, the body can only absorb about 30% of the zinc that we take in. Because of this nature of zinc absorption, to avoid deficiencies, supplementation may be necessary.

What is the daily suggested dose of Zinc Gluconate?

The commonly recommended dose for Zinc Gluconate varies from 50mg to 500mg per day, depending upon individual needs. But bear in mind that the elemental zinc content of Zinc Gluconate is about 14.3% such that for a 1/8th teaspoon (approximately 450 milligrams) Zinc Gluconate Powder, the net elemental zinc will be approximately 65 milligrams. As such, one level one eighth (1/8) teaspoon is enough to meet the minimum daily requirement for zinc. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Zinc Gluconate here.

When taking higher amounts of zinc, we must make sure we get adequate amounts of copper, around 2-3 mg. supplemented, and possibly more with higher zinc intakes, to ensure copper deficiency does not occur. The suggested zinc to copper ratio is about 15:1. Zinc may be taken with magnesium, vitamin C, and B complex vitamins, but it is best to take a regular vitamin-mineral combination with 15-30 mg. of zinc in proper proportion to other minerals, so that deficiencies of zinc or imbalances of the other minerals do not occur.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Safety, Precautions, and Potential side effects of Zinc Gluconate

The risk in taking zinc supplements can be summarized in two words: zinc overdose. Even though zinc is almost an essential requirement for a healthy body, too much zinc can be harmful to the human body. Excessive absorption of zinc can lead to reduced iron function, and impair the immune system. The major consequence of long-term consumption of excessive zinc is copper deficiency. Zinc supplementation can inhibit the absorption and availability of copper. While this can be a good thing for individuals with overly high copper levels, especially those who have Wilson's disease (a disease of too much copper in the body), it can be a problem for people with copper deficiency. Some researchers and health practice professionals recommend that individuals supplementing with more than 50mg daily zinc, take 2mg of supplemental copper so as to prevent copper deficiency.

Zinc gluconate may interfere with the absorption of antibiotics, and may decrease the absorption and reduce the effectiveness of NSAIDs, oral quinolones, including ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin. To get the most out of zinc gluconate or zinc supplements in general, do not use it in conjunction with these medications or with high-fiber products such as bran, phosphorus-containing foods such as milk or poultry, and whole-grain breads and cereals. As an alternative, you can just take them 2 hours after you take zinc, instead of completely avoiding them. The same is true for copper, iron, or phosphorus supplements, so if you have to take them as well, space doses for these products 2 hours apart to get the full benefit from each dietary supplement.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of Zinc Gluconate

Zinc Gluconate Powder has a mildly sour (and somewhat acidic) taste and if held in the mouth will in time present a somewhat bitter aftertaste. Zinc Gluconate Powder does not readily dissolve in water by it will suspend into a somewhat cloudy mixture when stirred. Just measure and stir your usual dose into water or juice and drink.

Zinc Gluconate is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Zicam (Matrixx Initiatives, Inc.), NOW Zinc Gluconate, Galzin, M2 Zinc 50, Orazinc 110, Orazinc 220, Zinc-220, Zinc Chelated, Zn Plus Protein, Prostavan, Country Life Target-Mins Zinc, Country Life Zinc, Nature's Science Zinc, Nature's Science Zinc Chelate, Olympian Labs Zinc Plus, Ultimate Nutrition Zinc

References & Further Research

Zinc gluconate and the common cold: a controlled clinical study
A report in 1984 on the success of zinc gluconate against common cold symptoms could not be confirmed in three subsequent studies, which are now known to have used formulations that inactivated zinc. A non-chelating formulation including glycine, which releases 93% of contained zinc into saliva, was tested in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in 73 young adults. Efficacy was recorded in symptom diaries using a symptom severity rating. Patients' symptoms first appeared 1.34 days prior to entry to the study in both groups. Disappearance of symptoms occurred after an additional 4.9 days for zinc-treated patients versus 6.1 days for placebo-treated patients.

Reduction in duration of common colds by zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind study
As a possible treatment for common colds, we tested zinc gluconate lozenges in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. One 23-mg zinc lozenge or matched placebo was dissolved in themouth every 2 wakeful h after an initial double dose. After 7 days, 86% of 37 zinc-treated subjects were asymptomatic, compared with only 46% of 28 placebo-treated subjects (P = 0.0005). Side effects or complaints were usually minor and consisted mainly of objectionable taste and mouth irritation. Zinc lozenges shortened the average duration of common colds by about 7 days.

Hidradenitis suppurativa and zinc: a new therapeutic approach. A pilot study
Hidradenitis is a chronic disease of the apocrine glands (a form of sweat gland found on certain parts of the body). Patients with hidradenitis develop plugging or clogging of their apocrine glands leading to pus formation of the underarms (axilla) and groin/inner thigh areas. Researchers in France performed a pilot study on 22 Hidradenitis suppurativa patients, mainly from grade I or II in Hurley's classification. All included patients had previously been prescribed a treatment (antibiotic, isotretinoin, surgery or anti-androgens), which was inefficient. They were then treated with 90 mg of zinc gluconate per day (15 mg zinc per Rubozinc capsule). There was a clinical response in all patients, with 8 complete remissions (CR) and 14 partial remissions (PR). When CR was obtained, the treatment was progressively decreased (average of 3.5 capsules/day); 4/22 patients experienced side-effects, mainly gastro-intestinal. Zinc salts could provide a new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Zinc Gluconate for International Customers

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