OptiZinc

OptiZinc - Zinc Monomethionine Complex

Zinc is a trace element which is essential for normal growth, development of the reproductive organs, normal functioning of the prostate gland, healing of wounds, and the manufacture of proteins and nucleic acids (the building blocks for RNA and DNA).† It is also necessary for over 100 different enzyme systems in the body. Source Naturals Opti-Zinc contains 30 mg of zinc methionine sulfate along with 300 mcg of copper sebacate.

Zinc monomethionine is a 1:1 chelated complex of the antioxidants zinc and methionine. Human and animal studies have demonstrated that zinc methionine sulfate complex is more effective than other zinc supplements tested. Zinc methionine sulfate has been shown to stimulate new cell growth, enhance immunity, nourish skin structures, support male sexual function, and fight free radical damage.†

Zinc and Women

More than 70% of women do not obtain the minimum daily requirement of zinc from their diets. Zinc is an enzyme co-factor that assists the body in absorbing enzymes, such as Vitalzym. Additionally, research suggests it may play an important role in hormone production and balance, and is crucial to the manufacture and repair of DNA.† Zinc's role in strengthening a woman's immune system is rapidly being recognized as critical.

Zinc helps prevent hormonal imbalance and fibrosis conditions because it plays an important role in hormone production and balance. Zinc helps to increase progesterone levels and lower estrogen. The American Zinc Association states that as a woman ages, she may undergo dietary or hormonal changes which could affect her zinc status. For example, excess estrogen can lower serum zinc levels and women who are estrogen dominant or using estrogen replacement therapy should check to be sure their zinc intake is adequate.

According to the American Zinc Association, zinc may help in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which affects 50 percent of all menstruating women. Recent studies cannot say for sure, but there is growing evidence that a deficiency of progesterone underlies PMS, and trace amounts of zinc regulate the secretion of hormones, including progesterone.†

Early research at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found significantly lower levels of zinc among women with PMS during the last 13 days of the menstrual cycle. This reduction could lead to a decrease in secretions of progesterone and endorphins, the natural painkillers our bodies produce. The research is preliminary and if zinc deficiency does play a role, it might only affect a subgroup. Nevertheless, studies continue to confirm zinc's importance to the regulation of hormones. Zinc also governs the contractibility of muscles, including uterine muscle, and plays a role in menstrual regulation.†

Zinc and Men

Commonly used to boost immunity, zinc is one of the most important supplements for men’s health. It is most concentrated in the prostate gland and a key mineral in male sexual function and a protective nutrient against prostate cancer.†

For the aging male population, zinc supplementation can be indicated for several reasons. The mineral zinc, which inhibits the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that irreversibly converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, may be helpful in maintaining prostate health. Zinc also has a critical role in male sexual function and is necessary for all aspects of male reproduction, including hormone metabolism and sperm formation and motility.†

In men, zinc deficiency syndromes can present in different ways. Low testosterone and low sperm counts may be signs of a zinc deficiency. Men with excessive estrogen levels despite normal testosterone levels may also lack the mineral. Increased estrogen levels result from elevated amounts of the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

• Acne
• Anorexia
• Delayed wound healing
• Depression
• Difficulty hearing
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Impaired sense of taste or smell
• Joint pain
• Light sensitivity
• Night Blindness
• Problems with hair, skin, or nails
• Weak sexual function or sterility

Vital During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Because zinc is used to generate cells, it is essential for the developing fetus where cells are rapidly dividing. Adequate zinc contributes to growth, lessens premature births and other complications, and improves neonatal survival.

Zinc is also important to mothers who breastfeed. Studies in The Lancet showed that by the sixth month of lactation even a well-nourished mother may provide less zinc than is necessary for her infant. Zinc causes babies to thrive. Breastfed babies who received zinc supplements grew significantly in length and weight over those given a placebo.

Zinc and Healthy Aging

A Wayne State study found that nearly 30 percent of a large group of healthy, affluent women over 50 were zinc deficient. It's believed that zinc deficiency is common in older women, partly because they eat less, which makes getting enough zinc difficult.