1. Immune Support:
   • Reduces the severity and duration of colds and infections (Mayo Clinic).
2. Wound Healing:
   • Accelerates tissue repair and reduces inflammation (Harvard Medical School).
3. Skin Health:
   • Treats acne, eczema, and other skin conditions (BNF).
4. Growth and Development:
   • Essential for childhood growth and sexual maturation (Lange).
5. Antioxidant Protection:
   • Reduces oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic diseases (Lippincott).

1. Animal Products:
   • Meat (beef, lamb), shellfish (oysters, crab), and poultry.
2. Dairy:
   • Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
3. Plant-Based Sources:
   • Legumes (chickpeas, lentils), nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
4. Fortified Foods:

Breakfast cereals and plant-based milk alternatives

Zinc deficiency can lead to:

• Immune Dysfunction: Frequent infections and slow wound healing.
• Growth Retardation: Delayed growth and development in children.
• Skin Issues: Acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Hair Loss: Thinning or loss of hair.
• Neurological Symptoms: Loss of appetite, taste, or smell (Mayo Clinic).

Risk Factors:

• Poor diet, vegetarianism, alcoholism, malabsorption disorders (e.g., Crohn’s disease), and chronic illnesses.

• Normal: 70–120 mcg/dL (Mayo Clinic).
• Deficiency: <60 mcg/dL.

1. Zinc Gluconate:
   • Common OTC form; used for colds and immune support.
   • Tablets: 10 mg, 15 mg, 50 mg.
2. Zinc Sulfate:
   • Used for deficiency treatment and skin conditions.
   • Tablets: 110 mg (equivalent to 25 mg elemental zinc).
3. Zinc Acetate:
   • Used for Wilson’s disease and taste disorders.
4. Zinc Picolinate:
   • Highly bioavailable form for supplementation.

1. Immune Support:
   • Reduces cold severity and duration; recommended dose is 75–100 mg/day for short-term use (BNF).
2. Wound Healing:
   • Topical zinc oxide creams promote healing in burns and ulcers (Lippincott).
3. Skin Conditions:
   • Treats acne, eczema, and diaper rash (Harvard Medical School).
4. Zinc Deficiency:
   • Corrects low levels in malabsorption or dietary insufficiency (Lange).
5. Wilson’s Disease:
   • Reduces copper absorption in this genetic disorder (Mayo Clinic).

Daily Requirements (RDA):

• Adults: 8–11 mg/day.
• Pregnancy/Lactation: 11–12 mg/day.

Deficiency Treatment:

• Adults: 25–50 mg elemental zinc/day for 3–6 months (BNF).

Administration Tips:

• Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
• Avoid taking with iron or calcium supplements, as they can inhibit absorption.

Zinc is generally safe but may cause:

• Mild: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Severe (High Doses): Copper deficiency, immune dysfunction, and neurological issues (Lippincott).

• Copper Deficiency: Long-term high doses (>40 mg/day) can deplete copper levels.
• Pregnancy: Safe in recommended doses; avoid excessive intake (BNF Category: A).

Kidney Disease: Monitor zinc levels to avoid toxicity

1. Antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, quinolones):
   • Zinc reduces absorption; take 2 hours apart (Mayo Clinic).
2. Iron and Calcium Supplements:
   • Inhibit zinc absorption; separate doses by 2–3 hours (Lange).
3. Penicillamine:
   • Zinc reduces efficacy; avoid concurrent use (BNF).

• Zinc Gluconate: Cold remedies and immune support.
• Zinc Sulfate: Deficiency treatment.
• Zinc Oxide: Topical creams for skin conditions.
• Zinc Acetate: Wilson’s disease.