Zinc picolinate: instructions and references

A number of conditions are necessary for the full development and functioning of the human body. One of them is the presence of all the necessary vitamins and trace elements. In the case of a lack of a certain element, it can usually be gradually replenished by changing the diet of its food and including in its composition the maximum number of products containing the missing vitamin or trace element.

But, unfortunately, such a simple solution is not suitable in cases where there is a lack of zinc in the body. Features of this component and its effect on the human body, we will consider further, as well as "Zinc picolinate" - a popular biologically active additive.

How to make up for the lack of zinc in the body?

Unfortunately, if the body suffers from a lack of zinc, then changing the diet will not solve the problem. The difficulty lies in the fact that in nature there are very few plants capable of accumulating zinc in sufficient quantities. For example, some species of violets in their composition contain quite a lot of zinc, but unfortunately they do not diversify the diet.

Sufficient zinc is found in legumes, oysters and seeds. But fresh oysters as a daily supplement to the diet are not available to everyone, and legumes and seeds should be eaten in incredibly large quantities, so that the lack of zinc in the body was replenished. For this reason, the most adequate solution is the intake of special vitamins and dietary supplements containing this component. Picolinic acid helps zinc to be better absorbed by the body, and therefore it is part of almost every dietary supplement with this element. Thanks to the two main components that make up their composition, the drug is called "zinc picolinate".

What are the functions of the body responsible for zinc?

The use of the drug "Zinc picolinate", the instruction on which application will be considered by us further, is very difficult to overestimate. The element considered by us participates in practically all metabolic processes of the body. With its lack of taking vitamins "Zinc picolinate" is really necessary.

Zinc is present in every human cell and is responsible for the full functioning of the body. This element performs the function of controlling the correct division of cells, and also participates in such important processes as:

• Protein production;
• Maintenance of immunity;
• DNA synthesis;
• Process of wound healing;
• Production of hormones, including insulin.

A sufficient amount of zinc is necessary for a full sense of smell. In the case of a lack of this component, a person may not feel the full taste of food, and also it is difficult to distinguish between different smells.

Since zinc is important for maintaining the hormonal background and for the normal functioning of the endocrine system, it is responsible for the normal growth of the body. In some Middle Eastern countries, where there is a shortage of food containing zinc and the population suffers from a lack of it, cases of dwarfism are often recorded.

Consequences and possible causes of zinc deficiency in the blood

Studies have found that there are a number of factors that can trigger a decrease in the level of zinc in the body. Among them:

• Long reception of certain oral contraceptives;
• Prolonged intake of too salty and sweet food in large quantities;
• Intensive cortisone treatment;
• Increased intake of radioactive substances into the body;
• Alcohol consumption (tests conducted in rats have shown that after using small doses of alcohol in rodents, a drop in the level of zinc in the blood and muscles, and especially in the liver) was observed.

If you do not pay attention to the lack of zinc in time and do not start taking zinc picolinate in the form of vitamins and supplements, this will negatively affect the condition of the whole organism. What can be the consequences:

• hair loss;
• Deterioration of vision;
• Constant fatigue, lethargy, fatigue;
• The occurrence of problems with the skin of the face ;
• Memory impairment;
• Loss of body weight, worsening of appetite;
• Decreased immunity (frequent colds);
• Occurrence of allergic reactions;
• Delayed recovery period after various injuries, very slow healing of wounds and cuts.

Zinc and Men's Health

The lack of zinc can have a bad effect on the sexual development of boys. As this component increases the level of testosterone, with its deficiency, sexual development may slow down.
In adults, a lack of zinc can trigger sexual impotence, loss of sperm activity, which will lead to their inability to fertilize the egg.

The influence of zinc on the health of expectant mothers

For women planning a pregnancy, a lack of zinc may cause miscarriage, a weak fetus with a low birth weight, premature birth.

Lack of zinc in children: the main symptoms

Unfortunately, zinc deficiency can be observed not only in adults. Lack of this trace element is often found among small patients. The signs that may indicate a lack of zinc in the child's body include:

• The child's desire to lick metal objects;
• Slow hair growth;
• Slow growth;
• Poor appetite or lack of it.

Of course, all of the above symptoms can signal the presence of other problems, but if the parents systematically notice their manifestations, it is necessary to consult the therapist as soon as possible. If a child is recommended zinc intake, with the purchase of vitamins or special supplements should not hesitate.

Indications for use and the effect of vitamins and zinc on the body

Official instructions to "Zinc Picolinate" (various manufacturers) as evidence for its use indicate the following health problems and diseases:

• Decrease in the protective function of the body and immunodeficiencies;
• Eye diseases;
• Pancreas diseases;
• Violations of the liver;
• State of prediabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, history of diabetes mellitus;
• Infertility (both female and male);
• anemia;
• Dermatitis and various cosmetic problems of facial skin;
• Increased hair loss and layered nails.

The application of "Zinc Picolinate" is appropriate for the following problems:

1. Anorexia, which is characterized by an unwillingness to take food, despite the body's need. The causes of this complex disease can be very diverse - from depression to hormonal failure. Additives with "Zinc picolinate" in this case help to improve appetite.
2. Osteoporosis, the causes of which have not been fully studied, leads to increased brittleness of the bones and is often observed in older women. To prevent it, along with calcium, manganese and copper, zinc supplements are often prescribed. It is believed that it is able to prevent metabolic disorders in the bone tissue and thereby reduce the risk of disease.
3. Children's attention deficit disorder and often accompanying hyperreactivity are found in small patients with zinc deficiency in the body. Vitamins and supplements with this element are necessarily prescribed to children in parallel with the main therapy.
4. States after surgical operations sometimes require additional zinc intake, since this component accelerates metabolic processes in the body, helps to early healing of wounds and general recovery of the patient after surgery.

In what cases is recommended the preventive reception of zinc?

To prevent the occurrence of zinc deficiency in the body, the intake of dietary supplements and vitamins with its content is recommended in the following situations:

• Postoperative conditions and recovery period after serious injuries;
• Disorders in the work of the digestive system;
• Chronic liver and kidney disease;
• Inadequate diet, including vegetarianism.

The most popular manufacturers of vitamins with zinc and the average cost of drugs

Almost every large pharmacological manufacturer produces zinc-containing preparations on the market. Conditionally they can be divided into two main categories: multivitamins (containing zinc as one of the components) and monopreparations.

Monopreparations in its composition mainly contain only zinc. They are prescribed in the case when the patient needs to quickly increase the concentration of this particular element in the body. As a rule, one tablet of monopreparation contains a daily minimum dose of zinc or slightly exceeds it. Monopreparations with zinc are prescribed for chronic insufficiency. Their cost can be different. It all depends on the discounts that online stores provide, from the markup of pharmacies selling these drugs, from the manufacturer and the number of tablets in the package.

The most popular manufacturers of such additives are:

• Now Foods (250 tablets, cost from 500 to 800 rubles.);
• Nature's Way (60 candies cost an average of 250-350 rubles.);
• Jarrow Formulas (100 capsules, cost from 450 to 700 rubles);
• Doctor's Best (120 capsules, the cost varies from 1500 to 2000 rubles.)

Judging by numerous reviews and comments, the most popular among customers is the mono-preparation with zinc content, which is produced by the company "Solgar". "Zinc picolinate" (the instruction for its use indicates the same useful properties and indications for use as other manufacturers) is available in the form of tablets (100 pieces in one bottle). The average cost of the drug is about 750-900 rubles. But if you follow the discounts in online stores that are distributors of this drug, "Zinc picolinate" from "Solgar" (reviews will be briefly considered by us further) can be bought much cheaper.

Customer feedback on the drug

Most reviews of the drug of this manufacturer are positive. Patients note that after taking a noticeable improvement in skin condition (pimples and acne go through), hair loss is noticeably reduced. Many people note an obvious improvement in the condition of the nails.

The purpose of this drug to children really contributes to the improvement of appetite. Also, parents note that the tablets of this manufacturer do not have an extraneous smell, so that the task of making a child drink a medicine does not complicate anything. Parents of children prone to allergies, say that in the drug "Zinc picolinate" there are no additional supplements, which reduces the risk of allergies.

Solgar, "Zinc picolinate": reviews of dissatisfied customers

The lack of monopreparation with zinc from the company "Solgar" - a fairly high cost. You can meet the feedback of people who, after taking this drug, did not see any obvious improvements and did not achieve their own problems. But, as a rule, these people made an independent decision to buy this drug as a dietary supplement. Before you start taking the drug, check with your doctor and make sure that the symptoms actually signal zinc deficiency in the body, and not about the presence of more serious diseases.