Zinc Supplements

[adhoc]

I saw this on Aids Map on Zinc Supplements. Intresting how zinc works against cold virus and now HIV. Seems to be a trend going on where Pharma/ Research is looking at existing meds and supplements. It would be great to see what Bayer Aspirin does...

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/1BF1D3A1-CF9D-427B-83F6-EEB27F738E33.asp

[veritas]

adhoc,

Although zinc is necessary, it's possible to overdose when taking supplements:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/zinc-overdose.html

Just an fyi,

v

[elf]

I've heard too much zinc can make HIV replicate faster, so watch out!
It's not as helpful as selenium (which I've quit for raising my cholesterol).

[adhoc]

This is just a report of a study. However it is saying that reasonably low doses were given 15mg for men and 12 for women. I looked at Walgreen's and they are selling 30 and 50mg in various bottles. 

Quote "They conclude, “this evidence supports the recommendation of zinc therapy as a safe, simple, and cost-effective tool to improve the immune response and to reduce morbidity and should be considered as an adjunct therapy for HIV infection.”While the study says it did nothing for viral load it did show to improve immunologic function by stimulating thymic function.

Obviously don't buy a bag of lozenges and suck on them all day. Nor am I advocating everyone rush to buy zinc without consulting their personal ID doctor. I usually talk to my doctor first when I see things of intrest especially when posted in the research forum so I will be bringing this up as well. To me this is a preliminary report and I was more impressed that they are looking back at existing drugs and supplements and thinking it was cool similar to my post about minocycline. Thats why the comment about Bayer the original wonder drug and benefits to the heart. Who knows what they'll find especially given the economic situation the world finds itself in.

Veritas- your link also states and matches the dosages in the aidsmap article.

"Zinc is an essential element that is required by the body to manufacture many enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for carrying out many chemical reactions in the body. Zinc can be obtained from many food sources. However, in cases where zinc is not obtained from food, then people take to zinc supplements. The recommended dietary allowance of zinc is around 9 - 11 milligrams. It is said that a zinc dose of around 40 milligrams is considered to be safe according to the FDA. But when the levels of intake go beyond this level, then it could lead to a zinc overdose. Given below are the symptoms and treatment for zinc overdose.
It also states it can adversely affect cholesterol. It does not state at what levels.

Elf- I couldn't find where selenium raised cholesterol, do you have a link for this? I ask because I take it as well, all I can find is its benefits on cancer and HIV and it toxicity at dosages above 400mg.

[veritas]

adhoc,

"Veritas- your link also states and matches the dosages in the aidsmap article."

Yes it does.  My only issue was to point out that zinc can be harmful if overdosed and anyone reading this thread should follow the dosing guidelines.

Selenium does raise cholesterol:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112103417.htm

Dose dependent.

v

[J220]

When I was in my obsessive/ compulsive period in my immediate post diagnosis period, I was taking more supplements than was prudent. I remember that my hands and feet even turned yellow due to overtaking vitamin A.

Eventually I settled down, and followed my doctor's advice of taking just one multivitamin/ mineral a day. That, plus a daily dose of Omega-3 Salmon oil (to help prevent heart disease and as a general anti-inflamatory- I play tennis)  are all the supplements I take now. One should not need anything other than that (in terms of supplements).