Zinc supplementation has been found to help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration in some studies. Other studies have not shown a connection between dietary zinc intake and the incidence of age-related macular degeneration.
Zinc is found in high concentrations in the macula (central) portion of the retina. Zinc concentration in this area of the eye has been found to decrease with aging. Current research is trying to find out if zinc and antioxidant supplementation can help reduce the effects of age-related macular degeneration.
ZINC AND HIV
Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency. Lowered blood levels of zinc have been correlated with increased death rates in HIV patients. Zinc supplementation can reduce opportunistic infection in those with HIV. However, the HIV virus also needs zinc. Zinc supplements may in fact backfire to decrease survival time and stimulate the virus. Helping the immune system get adequate zinc without helping the HIV will require further research.
ZINC AND OLDER ADULTS
Older adults have average zinc intakes that tend to be lower than the RDA. To avoid impaired immune system functioning, older adults should be sure to maintain adequate zinc intake.
ZINC AND ALCOHOLISM
Alcoholics are at increased risk of zinc deficiency from both impaired absorption and increased urinary losses. One-third to one-half of alcoholics have been found to have low zinc levels.
Individuals at Greater Risk of Zinc Deficiency
Children and infants
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially teens
People whose main diet consists of grains and legumes
People with chronic digestive disorders
Patients receiving only intravenous feedings
Alcoholics
People with sickle cell anemia
Adults 65 years and older
Malnourished people or those with anorexia nervosa
Zinc is found in high concentrations in the macula (central) portion of the retina. Zinc concentration in this area of the eye has been found to decrease with aging. Current research is trying to find out if zinc and antioxidant supplementation can help reduce the effects of age-related macular degeneration.
ZINC AND HIV
Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency. Lowered blood levels of zinc have been correlated with increased death rates in HIV patients. Zinc supplementation can reduce opportunistic infection in those with HIV. However, the HIV virus also needs zinc. Zinc supplements may in fact backfire to decrease survival time and stimulate the virus. Helping the immune system get adequate zinc without helping the HIV will require further research.
ZINC AND OLDER ADULTS
Older adults have average zinc intakes that tend to be lower than the RDA. To avoid impaired immune system functioning, older adults should be sure to maintain adequate zinc intake.
ZINC AND ALCOHOLISM
Alcoholics are at increased risk of zinc deficiency from both impaired absorption and increased urinary losses. One-third to one-half of alcoholics have been found to have low zinc levels.
Individuals at Greater Risk of Zinc Deficiency
Children and infants
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially teens
People whose main diet consists of grains and legumes
People with chronic digestive disorders
Patients receiving only intravenous feedings
Alcoholics
People with sickle cell anemia
Adults 65 years and older
Malnourished people or those with anorexia nervosa
More about Zinc:
0 comments