Zinc Supplements: Immune, Prostate & Male Health

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.

Despite its critical importance, dietary Zinc deficiency is common — an estimated 2 billion people worldwide are affected, and even in North America, 35%–45% of adults aged 60 or older have Zinc intakes below the estimated average requirement. Low levels of Zinc have been detected in people with a number of conditions including diabetes, eating disorders, male infertility, diarrhea, and osteoporosis.

Because the body cannot synthesize Zinc, it must be obtained from dietary or supplemental sources. While oysters, red meat, poultry, and shellfish are rich dietary sources, Zinc supplements offer a convenient way to help ensure adequate intake — particularly for those at risk of deficiency, including people with digestive disorders, vegetarians, older adults, and those who have had gastrointestinal surgery.

Immune system support: For more than 50 years, research has established that Zinc deficiency compromises immune function. Virtually all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity are affected by Zinc — from neutrophils and natural killer cells to T cells and B cells. Zinc also functions as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, and research suggests it may help protect mononuclear cells against oxidative stress.

People who are deficient in Zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc supplementation may help improve immune system function and support the body's defenses against colds and upper respiratory challenges. Multiple meta-analyses confirm that Zinc lozenges containing more than 75 mg/day of elemental Zinc may shorten common cold duration by approximately 33%.

Prostate health: The healthy prostate accumulates the highest concentration of Zinc of any soft tissue in the body. Studies show that BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and prostate cancer tissue have significantly lower Zinc levels than normal tissue. Zinc regulates Zinc transporters and supports normal apoptosis in prostate cells. Symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate may be supported with additional Zinc intake.

Male fertility and reproductive health: Zinc is the most extensively studied micronutrient for male fertility. It plays direct roles in spermatogenesis, sperm chromatin stability, and testosterone biosynthesis. The hormone testosterone requires Zinc for its production, and Zinc deficiency in adult men causes hypogonadism — where the testes produce less testosterone. A meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports found that Zinc supplementation significantly improved semen volume, sperm motility, and normal morphology in infertile males.

This product uses OptiZinc®, a patented 1:1 complex of Zinc and 100% natural methionine — the amino acid that is best absorbed by the body. L-OptiZinc is the only high-potency Zinc supplement FDA-approved safe for human nutrition, and it also serves as an antioxidant.

Studies show that L-OptiZinc is absorbed better, retained longer, and is more effective than ordinary Zinc supplements tested. Importantly, it resists binding with dietary fiber and phytate — organic compounds that commonly inhibit Zinc absorption from plant-based foods and other supplement forms.

Unlike some other Zinc supplements, OptiZinc® will not cause anemia by removing iron from cells. Each tablet delivers 20 mg of OptiZinc®, well within the recommended daily intake range while staying safely below the 40 mg/day Tolerable Upper Intake Level established by the FDA for adults.

This product is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free.

Zinc supplements may be particularly valuable for several groups of people. Men seeking to support prostate health, healthy testosterone levels, or fertility may benefit, as Zinc plays essential roles in prostate function, testosterone biosynthesis, and spermatogenesis.

Adults looking to support their immune system may also find Zinc supplementation helpful. Research suggests that Zinc is central to proper immune cell development and function, and people who are deficient in Zinc are more susceptible to infections.

Certain populations are at higher risk for Zinc deficiency and may benefit from supplementation, including older adults (35%–45% of adults aged 60+ have inadequate Zinc intakes), vegetarians (researchers have suggested that phytate-rich plant diets may increase Zinc needs by up to 50%), people who have had gastrointestinal surgery such as weight loss surgery, and those with digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Individuals facing surgery may also benefit, as Zinc plays a central role in all phases of wound healing. Studies show that taking sufficient Zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C before and after surgery may help optimize wound healing.

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

Taking Zinc with food may help reduce the potential for minor digestive discomfort. Be aware that taking supplements containing a substantial amount of iron (25 mg or more) at the same time as Zinc supplements can reduce Zinc absorption — consider spacing these apart.

Zinc may also interact with certain medications, including quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro), tetracycline antibiotics, and penicillamine. To help avoid interactions, take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, taking a Zinc supplement. Penicillamine and Zinc supplements should be taken at least 1 hour apart. Those taking thiazide diuretics should be aware these medications can increase urinary Zinc excretion by as much as 60%.