Zinc Vitamins: Immune, Cold & Prostate Support

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.

The body uses Zinc to make DNA and proteins, regulate gene expression, and maintain the structural integrity of transcription factors known as "Zinc fingers." Virtually all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity — from neutrophils and natural killer cells to T cells and B cells — are affected by Zinc status.

Despite its importance, dietary Zinc deficiency is surprisingly 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 through diet or supplementation. While oysters, red meat, poultry, and shellfish are rich dietary sources, plant-based Zinc from whole grains and legumes is less bioavailable due to phytate content — which some researchers suggest may increase the Zinc needs of vegetarians by up to 50%.

Immune System Support: For more than 50 years, research has shown that Zinc deficiency compromises immune function. People who are deficient in Zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc supplementation may help improve immune system function, supporting the body's defense against colds and upper respiratory illnesses. Studies suggest that Zinc lozenges delivering more than 75 mg/day of elemental Zinc may shorten common cold duration by approximately 33%.

Cold & Flu Recovery: Multiple meta-analyses suggest that Zinc acetate and gluconate lozenges may reduce cold symptom severity and duration. Research indicates that Zinc may help reduce nasal discharge by 34%, nasal congestion by 37%, cough by 46%, and hoarseness by 43% when started within 24 hours of symptom onset.

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 may support prostate cell apoptosis and regulate 5α-reductase activity. Symptoms resulting from an enlarged prostate may also be supported with additional Zinc intake.

Wound Healing: Zinc plays a central role in all phases of wound healing, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Individuals facing surgery are encouraged to take sufficient Zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C before and after surgery, as studies show that taking sufficient amounts of these nutrients may help optimize wound healing.

Male Reproductive Health: The hormone testosterone requires Zinc for its production. Zinc is highly concentrated in seminal plasma, and deficiency has been linked to impaired spermatogenesis. Research suggests that infertility resulting from low testosterone levels may respond to increased Zinc intake in men with documented Zinc deficiency.

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.

Studies show that L-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 commonly inhibit Zinc absorption from plant-based diets.

Unlike other Zinc supplements, OptiZinc® will not cause anemia by removing iron from cells. Each tablet provides 20 mg of OptiZinc® in a formula that is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and grain free.

Zinc vitamins may be particularly relevant for adults looking to support their immune system, especially during cold and flu season. Research suggests that Zinc supplementation may help improve immune defense and shorten the duration of upper respiratory symptoms.

Men may benefit from Zinc for two common concerns: the hormone testosterone requires Zinc for its production, and symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may be supported with additional Zinc. Zinc is uniquely concentrated in healthy prostate tissue, making adequate intake especially relevant for men's health.

Certain groups may be at higher risk for Zinc deficiency and could benefit from supplementation, including people who have had gastrointestinal surgery such as weight loss surgery, those with digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, vegetarians (whose Zinc needs may be up to 50% higher due to phytate in plant foods), and older adults — 20%–25% of whom still have inadequate Zinc intakes even when considering both food and supplements.

Because Zinc supplementation improves immune system function, it has also shown benefit in supporting the body's natural defenses. Individuals facing surgery may also consider Zinc alongside vitamins A and C to help optimize wound healing.

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®, which is within the Recommended Dietary Allowance range (the RDA for adults is 8 mg/day for women and 11 mg/day for men) and well below the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 40 mg/day for adults.

Be aware that taking supplements containing a substantial amount of iron (25 mg or more) at the same time as Zinc may reduce Zinc absorption. Both quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics may also interact with Zinc — take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, taking a Zinc supplement. If you take penicillamine, separate it from Zinc supplementation by at least 1 hour.