Why we selected this company:

When Al and Kelly Czap started Thorne Research in 1984 their mission was to provide health-care practitioners with the purest possible supplements for their patients. Their first decision was to not manufacture tablets, which require adding ingredients unnecessary for the patient. Instead, they decided to make supplements in capsules. Their second big decision was to only purchase the most hypoallergenic raw materials available, instead of raw materials that were diluted and standardized with lactose, sucrose, preservatives, or other unnecessary additives. Their third basic decision was to promote the best possible absorption of nutrients in their products by avoiding the use of magnesium stearate, a common powder lubricant.

Why we selected this product:

Zinc homeostasis and immunity.

Rink L, Haase H.

Institute of Immunology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. LRink@UKAachen.de

Zinc is an essential trace element for the immune system, and zinc deficiency compromises the function of primarily T cells but also of several other immune cells. Recently, zinc homeostasis has been demonstrated to affect dendritic cells, in particular the involvement of zinc transport proteins during lipopolysaccharide-induced upregulation of major histocompatibility complex proteins and co-stimulatory molecules. This adds to our understanding of the immunomodulatory potential of zinc and highlights its significance for immune function.

PMID: 17126599 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Trends Immunol. 2007 Jan;28(1):1-4. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

IMMUNE FUNCTION – Zinc

This is a review on the role of zinc on the immune function. Zinc affects the 5 phases of the immune response including recognition, activation, proliferation, effector function and memory. Zinc deficiency can result from dietary malabsorption, increased losses, increased needs or a combination of several factors. High zinc-containing foods include red meat, poultry, eggs, shellfish, cereals, grains and green vegetables. Thirty-five percent of dietary zinc is absorbed from a meat-containing diet, while less than 10% of zinc is available from a vegetarian type diet largely due to the phytate content. Zinc is required for the activity of many enzymes. Zinc is needed for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, protein synthesis, cell division and gene expression. Zinc protects against DNA damage and cell fragmentation characteristics of apoptosis. Zinc deficiency impairs cell mediated immunity including the number of CD4 helper T lymphocytes and lowers the helper suppressor ratio. Zinc promotes the lymphocyte proliferative response. Preliminary events suggests the migration of lymphocytes and their ability to "home" into a mucosa surface may be impaired by zinc deficiency. Natural killer cell activity is decreased by zinc deficiency as is the production of interleukin II. Phagocytic function depends on the amount of body zinc. Neutrophils of zinc deficient humans and peritoneal macrophage from zinc deficient animals have shown a decreased chemotactic ability. Thymulin is a zinc dependent hormone produced by the epithelial cells in the thymus. Zinc deficiency is associated with a reduced resistance to several micro-organisms. Administration of moderate amounts of zinc may result in clinical improvement such as acrodermatitis enteropathica, kwashiorkor, Down's syndrome, Crohn's disease, human dialysis, sickle cell anemia, thermal injury, atopic eczema, old age and Alzheimer's disease. Zinc therapy has been shown to be of benefit in individuals with elevated levels of other competitive cations including copper and Wilson's disease, cadmium and heavy smokers and lithium. Megadoses of zinc may have adverse side effects and zinc therapy should be kept under 50 mg per day. Doses higher than that may effect immunologic responses. In a study of 11 healthy young men administration of 150 mg of zinc twice daily decreased lymphocyte proliferation response. In a clinical trial in the elderly where they were given 100 mg per day delayed hypersensitivity response was reduced.

"Zinc and Immunity", Chandra, Ranjit K., M.D. and McBean, Lois D., MS, RD, Nutrition, 1994;10(1).

Benefits for the body:
Critical in aiding the prevention of colds and flus, bolsters the body’s immune defenses, speeds recovery from infections, critical for healthy functioniong bones and skin.
 
Interesting facts:
ZINC - Essentiality and Toxicity

This is an excellent article on the need for zinc and potential toxicity of zinc. Zinc is virtually nontoxic in amounts up to 45 mg per day. There is no evidence that zinc is genotoxic. Zinc is not known to be a carcinogen. There are no disorders known to be associated with excessive accumulation of zinc. In contrast, there are disorders due to iron, copper, mercury, cadmium and other metals which accumulate in the tissues. Zinc is prevalent in more than 300 enzyme systems in microorganisms, plants and animals. Zinc is involved in the formation of nucleoproteins, which are involved in the replication and transcription of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Nutritional deficiency is a widespread problem throughout the world. Industrial exposure to excessive concentrations of zinc can produce toxic symptoms, though this is rare. Zinc is also an antioxidant which interacts with sulphydryl groups. Zinc deficiency can lead to growth retardation, dwarfism and failure to develop secondary sexual characteristics. Reduced taste and smell and darker adaptations as well as poor wound healing are also indications of zinc insufficiency. Zinc deficiency can also lead to a reduction in serum testosterone levels in men, increased prolactin levels in patients with renal disease and decreased activity of serum thymulin or thymic hormone. Although zinc toxicity is rare, the authors have noted above 150 mg a day of elemental zinc can induce copper deficiency in some patients. Zinc therapy has also been used to treat Wilson's disease. A reduction in lymphocyte proliferative response has been noted in 11 volunteers who ingested 300 mg of elemental zinc daily for 6 weeks. It is not known whether this response was due to copper deficiency though. It has also been reported that excess zinc intake has lead to increased serum cholesterol levels. The effects of excessive zinc inhalation include flu-like symptoms, cough and shortness of breath. The author concludes that zinc deficiency is a problem worldwide. Doses up to 45 mg per day are nontoxic. In higher levels, copper deficiency may be induced. There is no evidence that an oral intake of zinc up to 45 mg per day adversely effects cell-mediated immunity.

"Essentiality and Toxicity of Zinc", Prasad, Ananda S., M.D., Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment and Health, 1993;19(Suppl. 1):134-6.

Ingredients:
Each Capsule Contains:
Zinc (as Zinc Picolinate) 15 mg
 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  If in doubt consult with a licensed naturopathic physician before use.  Physician’s at Genesis Health Systems can be reached at 480.284.8155 and we are happy to consult with you about this product and helping you achieve optimal health.