PureBulk

Related Products: Zinc L-Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Picolinate 2%, Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate

What is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide is a chemical compound consisting of one zinc atom bound to one oxygen atom. As a dietary supplement, it is used to supply the body with zinc, an essential mineral.

Zinc oxide is opaque and reflects and scatters light, explaining why it is useful in a sunblock. When applied topically, it offers protection from outside irritants and serves as an astringent and a weak antiseptic.

Zinc 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 in hormone production.

Zinc supplements are used to support normal growth and health and to alleviate zinc deficiency (a condition referred to as hypozincemia.) Lack of zinc may result in poor vision at night, slow healing of wounds, a decrease in sense of taste and smell, a reduced ability to fight infections and poor development of reproductive organs. In children it causes growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, infection susceptibility and diarrhea, contributing to the death of about 800,000 children worldwide per year.

Zinc deficiency is a worldwide risk and has been attributed to be the fifth leading risk factor for disease in the developing world. Up to 73% of the population is at risk in certain countries. Overall, even conservative estimates suggest that 25% of the world's population is at risk of zinc deficiency.

Health Benefits of Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is used in many creams and ointments to prevent or alleviate sunburn and other skin irritations like diaper rash. It's also available in oral formulations to promote wound healing.

Zinc has a major role in a wide array of reactions and processes. It is involved in many critical biochemical reactions.

Zinc plays a role as a component of many enzymes and as a catalyst of enzyme systems regulating cell growth, DNA and protein synthesis, energy metabolism, regulation of gene transcription, hormone levels and growth metabolism.

Zinc is important in the metabolism of vitamin A and collagen and promotes cellular immunity, taste acuity and the development of reproductive organs.

Zinc assists in maintaining the proper concentration of vitamin E in the blood.

The mineral works as an antioxidant (Wikipedia), offering protection from free radical molecules that can damage cell membranes.

Purity and Concentration of Zinc Oxide

PureBulk zinc oxide is a fine white powder and contains no fillers, taste additives or anti-caking agents.

Suggested Use of Zinc Oxide

The suggested serving size for zinc oxide is 32 milligrams to 64 milligrams, depending upon individual needs. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Zinc Oxide here. For accurate measuring of this product, PureBulk also sells milligram weight scales.

CAUTION: Do not exceed 77 mg in a day.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a Daily Value (DV) of 15 milligrams of zinc for adults and children four or more years of age. The amount of actual zinc (elemental zinc) in zinc oxide is 78%. Thus, 64 milligrams of zinc oxide provides 50 milligrams of elemental zinc, meeting the daily requirement for the mineral.

Zinc may be taken with copper, magnesium, vitamin C, and B complex vitamins for optimal health.

Potential Side Effects of Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is safe at recommended serving sizes. In rare instances, topical forms of zinc oxide may produce an allergic reaction on skin, including burning, stinging, itching, tingling and dark discoloration, according to the National Institutes of Health. An allergy to the oral form of the drug can lead to hives, difficulty breathing and swelling. Many topical zinc preparations also include additional ingredients, so if you are allergic to commonly used additives such as dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil or wax, you should probably avoid using these products.

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, as zinc can inhibit its absorption. Some health practice professionals recommend that individuals supplementing with more than 50 milligrams of zinc daily also take 2 milligrams of supplemental copper.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide Powder does not readily dissolve in water but will suspend into a somewhat cloudy mixture when stirred. Mix with water or juice and drink.

How should I store it?

You will receive a resealable bag of this powder. Store in a cool, dry area protected from light. Reseal after each use.

References & Further Research

University of Maryland Medical Center: Zinc

Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center: Zinc

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.