Dr. Vita Maca and Zinc Gluconate Benefits

Dr. Vita Maca and Zinc Gluconate Benefits

Dr. Vita Maca is comprised of high-quality ingredients, one of which is zinc gluconate.

In this article, we discuss everything that you need to know about this zinc gluconate – from its purpose, benefits, safety concerns, and more. 

What is Zinc Gluconate?

Zinc gluconate is a nutritional supplement that contains the zinc salt form of gluconic acid for the purpose of providing zinc.

As a vital trace element, zinc is of high importance in several biological processes, strengthens the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. Zinc gluconate is a zinc salt of gluconic acid that is made up of two gluconic acid molecules for each zinc cation. 

Although the mechanism is not fully understood, zinc supplementation may be used to increase immunity against viruses. It may also interfere with the replication of some viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Zinc gluconate is a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) supplement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is available as a trace mineral supplement and over-the-counter as a lozenge form for a reduced duration of common colds and with decreased severity of symptoms. Although it has been administered nasally for treating common colds, this administration route has been linked with some cases of anosmia (loss of the ability to detect smells). Studies show that zinc may be better absorbed in humans in the gluconate form; however, results from other studies may vary.

Interestingly, zinc supplementation has become an important intervention for treating diarrhea episodes in children. Studies suggest that administration of zinc, combined with new low osmolarity oral rehydration salts/solutions, may reduce both the severity and duration of diarrhea episodes for up to 12 weeks. 

Zinc Gluconate Benefits

Zinc is crucial for many aspects of your health and has been associated with numerous health benefits. Listed below are some of the potential benefits of zinc gluconate. 

• It may improve immune function.
  Several natural remedies and over-the-counter medications feature zinc due to its ability to fight inflammation and improve immune function. One review of different studies revealed that zinc lozenges containing 80-92mg of zinc may reduce the duration of common colds by up to 33%.
  
  Zinc may also act as an antioxidant. It can help reduce inflammation and protect you against chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and diabetes. 
  
  Furthermore, one study in 50 older adults found that taking 45mg of zinc gluconate for one year decreased several inflammation markers and reduced the frequency of infections.

• It may help improve heart health.
  Accounting for about 33% of deaths worldwide, heart disease is a very serious health problem. 
  
  Some research suggests that taking zinc may improve several risk factors for heart disease and may even lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
  
  One review of several studies found that zinc supplements helped decrease levels of blood triglycerides, as well as total and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, which could potentially help in preventing heart disease.
  
  Another study among 40 young women revealed that higher zinc intakes were linked to lower levels of systolic blood pressure. Other research suggests that low levels of serum zinc may be linked with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, but these findings remain inconclusive.

• It may slow down macular degeneration.
  Macular degeneration is a common eye disease and is one of the leading causes of vision loss. 
  
  Zinc supplements are usually used to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and help protect against blindness and vision loss. One study in people with age-related macular degeneration showed that taking 50 mg of zinc sulfate daily for three months slowed the progression of the disease. Similarly, another review showed that supplementing with zinc was effective at reducing the progression to advanced macular degeneration 

• It can accelerate wound healing.
  Zinc is normally used in hospitals as a treatment for certain skin ulcers, burns, and other skin injuries. Why? Zinc plays a crucial role in immune function, inflammatory response, and collagen synthesis, which makes it necessary for proper wound healing. In fact, your skin holds a significant amount – around 5% – of your body’s zinc content.
  
  A zinc deficiency can slow wound healing; on the other hand, zinc supplementation can speed wound recovery. For example, one study involving people with diabetic foot ulcers found that those treated with 200 mg of zinc every day experienced considerable reductions in ulcer size compared to those taking a placebo.

• It may help with blood sugar control. 
  Zinc is well-known for its role in insulin secretion and blood sugar control. Some research suggests that zinc may improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin and help keep blood sugar levels steady.
  
  One review revealed that zinc supplements were effective at improving both short- and long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Other research shows that zinc may help reduce insulin resistance, which can enhance your body’s ability to efficiently use insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 

• It may reduce certain age-related diseases. 
  Zinc may reduce your risk of certain age-related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, infection, and pneumonia. Zinc may relieve oxidative stress and enhance immune response by boosting the activity of natural killer cells and T-cells, which can protect your body from infection. In fact, one study revealed that taking 45 mg of zinc every day may decrease infection rates in older adults by about 66%.
  
  Furthermore, older adults who take zinc supplements may experience reduced pneumonia risk and improved mental performance. Additionally, a large study showed that taking daily antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E and vitamin C combined with 80 mg of zinc reduced the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

When used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers zinc gluconate to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, instances of anosmia (loss of the ability to detect smells) have been reported with intranasal use of some products containing zinc gluconate.

Moreover, other potential side effects include nausea, mouth irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects had been reported in patients ingesting zinc gluconate tablets that were dissolved in the mouth for management of the common cold.

Before taking supplements containing zinc gluconate, make sure to consult your doctor first. 

The Bottom Line

Zinc gluconate is a nutritional supplement that contains the zinc salt form of gluconic acid for the purpose of providing zinc. As a vital trace element, zinc is of high importance in several biological processes, strengthens the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant.

Zinc supplementation has many potential health benefits, including improved heart health, improved wound healing, enhanced immune function, and reduced risk of certain age-related conditions. 

Zinc gluconate is a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) supplement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, make sure to consult your doctor first before taking any supplements that contain zinc gluconate.