Zinc Sulfate: Immune, Prostate & Male Fertility Guide

Zinc is one of 16 essential trace minerals your body needs for optimal health. Next to iron, it is the most abundant mineral in your body and is found in almost every cell. Zinc is central to the proper functioning of more than 300 enzymes and is essential for proper growth and development.

While Zinc sulfate is one of the most common supplemental forms of Zinc — with 220 mg of Zinc sulfate yielding approximately 50 mg of elemental Zinc — not all Zinc supplements are created equal. This product delivers Zinc as mono-methionine using OptiZinc®, the only premium Zinc supplement approved by the FDA for human nutrition. Unlike other Zinc supplements, OptiZinc® will not cause anemia by removing iron from cells.

Low levels of Zinc have been detected in people with a number of conditions including diabetes, eating disorders, male infertility, diarrhea, and osteoporosis. For more than 50 years, it has been known that Zinc deficiency compromises immune function, making supplementation especially important for those at risk of inadequate intake.

Dietary Zinc deficiency is quite common globally, affecting an estimated 2 billion people. Even in the United States, 35%–45% of adults aged 60 years or older have Zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement. People who have had gastrointestinal surgery, those with digestive disorders such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, vegetarians, and alcoholics may be at particular risk.

Zinc is required for the activity of more than 300 enzymes covering all six classes — oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases — meaning it engages in virtually every metabolic process. It is incorporated into about 10% of all human proteins and forms "Zinc fingers" that enable transcription factors to bind DNA and regulate gene expression.

The body uses Zinc to make DNA and proteins, stabilize the DNA double helix, and facilitate cell division. At the level of the cell nucleus, Zinc can induce gene expression through the structural stabilization and functional regulation of various immunologically important transcription factors.

Immune Regulation: Virtually all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity are affected by Zinc. A network of transport and storage proteins tightly regulates Zinc availability, and deficiency alters the number and function of neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, T cells, and B cells. Zinc also functions as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing production of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, and it protects immune cells against oxidative stress.

Hormonal Interactions: There are numerous physiologically relevant interactions between Zinc and various hormones, including testosterone, adrenal corticoids, insulin, and growth hormone. Production, storage, secretion, and hormone receptor interactions can all be involved.

OptiZinc® is a patented 1:1 complex of Zinc and 100% natural methionine, the amino acid that is best absorbed by the body and serves as an antioxidant. Studies show that OptiZinc® is absorbed better, retained longer, and is more effective than ordinary Zinc supplements tested. It also resists binding with dietary fiber and phytate — organic compounds that inhibit Zinc absorption.

Zinc supplementation may be particularly relevant for several groups of people based on the available research:

• Adults seeking immune support: People who are deficient in Zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc supplementation may help support immune function and protect against colds and upper respiratory illnesses.
• Men concerned about prostate health: Symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be addressed with additional Zinc, as the healthy prostate naturally accumulates the highest Zinc concentration of any soft tissue.
• Men seeking fertility and testosterone support: Research suggests that infertility resulting from low testosterone levels may respond to increased Zinc intake. Zinc plays direct roles in spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells.
• Individuals preparing for or recovering from surgery: Studies show that taking sufficient amounts of Zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C can support optimal wound healing before and after surgery.
• Older adults: 35%–45% of adults aged 60 or older have Zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement, and even with supplements, 20%–25% still have inadequate intake.
• Vegetarians: Due to higher phytate content in plant-based diets, some researchers have suggested that Zinc needs of vegetarians may be up to 50% higher.
• People with digestive disorders: Those with conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or those who have had weight loss surgery may have difficulty absorbing adequate Zinc.

This product is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free, making it accessible for individuals with common dietary restrictions.

Take one (1) tablet daily with meals. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

Each tablet contains 20 mg of OptiZinc®. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Zinc is 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men, and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults is 40 mg/day.

A few important considerations may help you get the most from your Zinc supplement:

• Taking supplements that contain a substantial amount of iron (≥25 mg) at the same time as Zinc supplements can reduce Zinc absorption. Consider separating these supplements.
• Zinc may interact with certain medications, including quinolone antibiotics, tetracycline antibiotics, and penicillamine. If you take these medications, separate your Zinc supplement by at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, taking the antibiotic. For penicillamine, take Zinc supplements at least 1 hour apart.
• Thiazide diuretics can increase urinary Zinc excretion by as much as 60%, which may increase the need for supplementation in those using these medications long-term.