ROLE OF ZINC IN HEALTH & DISEASE - ZINC AS A THERAPEUTIC AGENT

Chief Editor
DR T R RAMANUJAM M.D., C.MI.Biol (Lond)

PROLOGUE

PHARMACOLOGY OF ZINC

DOSING INFORMATION

PRECAUTIONS FOR DIETARY OR SUPPLEMENTAL ZN THERAPY

RECOMMENDED INCREASE IN DIETARY INTAKE OR SUPPLEMENTATION IS NEEDED

ZINC SUPPLEMENTS (SYSTEMIC)

PATIENTS ON ZINC REQUIRE MONITORING OF THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS

SIDE/ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ZINC

REFERENCES ON ZN DEF & USES

OTHER THERAPEUTIC USES OF ZN

PATIENTS ON ZINC REQUIRE MONITORING OF THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS

1. Monthly – Alkaline phosphatases because serum concentration increases with Zn
2. Monthly serum copper – long term Zn therapy reduces copper levels.
3. Monthly HDL levels - Decreased serum HDL levels with long term use of Zn supplements.
4. Patients on hemodialysis require Zn supplementation & need frequent monitoring.(Plasma Zn is reduced in hemodialysis when treated with calcium carbonate as phosphate binder in hemodialysate fluid)
5. Teen age pregnancies serum changes due to iron supplements lead to marked alterations in Zn concentrations.
6. In alcoholic mothers changes in both maternal and fetal Zn deficiency are induced in pregnancy.