Zinc As Anti Oxidant
The Latest Health Extracts From The World Of Research Via The Web
The role of antioxidant supplements in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has received a great deal of interest. Antioxidants are found naturally in food and include vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), carotenoids, selenium, and zinc. Antioxidants neutralize the damage to cells caused by free radicals and may be relevant to AMD if oxidative damage to the retina leads to AMD. 20
OBJECTIVE: To quantify relationships between dietary intake of zinc and antioxidant nutrients and early and late age-related maculopathy (ARM). DESIGN: A retrospective longitudinal cohort design using data pertaining to diets in the past (1978-1980), which were assessed retrospectively using a food frequency questionnaire. PATIENTS: A 50% random sample of free-living Beaver Dam Eye Study participants, 43 to 86 years of age (N = 1968). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The presence of early and late ARM determined from fundus photography. 4
Although the antioxidant properties of zinc were first demonstrated in vitro, there is also clear evidence that zinc functions as an antioxidant in the body. One area of growing interest is the role of zinc as an antioxidant in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the brain. Compared to other soft tissues, the human brain contains significant amounts of zinc. Among the essential trace elements, zinc is second only to iron in total concentration in the brain. Zinc deficiency has been proposed to lead to nervous system disorders, including mental disturbances, loss of sensory acuity, and impaired cognitive and psychological function. Notably, oxidative stress is associated with the development and progression of several different neuropathologies, including Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease. 1
The mRNA expression levels of SOD were upregulated in the ZO group, and CAT was downregulated in the ZD group, while no changes in GPx mRNA levels were found after zinc treatment. Conclusion: The study suggested that zinc deficiency largely decreased body weight; zinc overdose, however, moderately stimulated growth in the early growing phase of rats. High dietary zinc did not compete with liver copper and iron status. Although Zn deficiency impaired antioxidant functions, zinc overdose hardly enhanced the antioxidant systems of animals. 15
The supposition is therefore that oxidative stress upon the body may lead to reduced effectiveness of the BBB, with a consequently increased likelihood of degenerative health problems within the brain and nervous system; the best known of these being Alzheimer�s and Parkinson�s disease. This supposition has been borne out by laboratory experiments on rats, which have also shown that zinc deficiency in these animals significantly reduces the strength of the BBB. 34
Bausch and Lomb, an eye care company, was a collaborator in the AREDS and provided the study nutrients. The company markets the formulation used in the AREDS; other companies may provide similar formulations. Antioxidant vitamins and zinc can also be purchased separately; however, consumers should discuss the use of these high levels of nutrients with their doctors, and be certain to include copper whenever taking high levels of zinc. 26
Those seeking to benefit from dietary supplements designed to promote ocular health and healing should familiarize themselves with the most common vitamins and minerals in these supplements doing the research to find out what both would be the best and the safest levels of these nutrients are. Consulting an eye care professional and a licensed nutritionist can be very helpful in planning the best dietary supplement regimen suited to your individual dietary needs and health goals. 44
Making sure that you are achieving the recommended daily intake levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients is one of the best things that you can do for your overall health and well being. In terms of eye health, paying very close attention to your daily nutrition intake can actually make a real difference in the quality of your vision and help to keep your eyes healthy and functioning well for a very long time. When properly taken dietary supplements can be a valuable part of any ocular health focused program. 44
The cost of using antioxidant supplements can be significant and is seldom covered by health insurance. The quality of supplements can vary by manufacturer and absorption can be affected by a variety of dietary factors. 20
Antioxidant substances are found naturally in food and include vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), carotenoids, anthocyanidins, selenium, and zinc. Carotenoids, nutrients that are not classified as vitamins, include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, the lycopenes, lutein, and zeaxanthin. The carotenoids are found in leafy green vegetables, corn, kiwi, and many other green, red, or yellow fruits and vegetables. The anthocyanidins are responsible for the blue color of blueberries and bilberries. Antioxidants neutralize the damage to cells caused by free radicals, and may be relevant to AMD if oxidative damage to the retina leads to AMD. Many different brands of antioxidant supplements are sold singly and in various combinations as tablets, capsules, or sprays. The manufactured quality and formulation of the supplement can influence absorption and therefore potential benefit. 20
Preferably the alkenyl hydrocarbon groups contain inclusively twelve to eighteen carbon atoms as in the dodecenyl and octadecenyl hydrocarbon groups. The novelcomposition, while not "ash-free" has a very low zinc content so that, when used at normal anti-oxident levels of one to five weight percent, the hydrocarbon in which the composition is used has an insignificant zinc content, less than 0.5 weight percent. 35
According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements,[3] the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 defines dietary supplements as a product (other than tobacco) intended to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb, or other botanical; or a dietary substance for use to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake; or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of any ingredient described above. Any of these must be intended for ingestion in the form of a capsule, powder, tablet, softgel, liquid, or gelcap, and must not be represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet. 20
Dietary supplements are widely available through many commercial sources including health food stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies and by mail and on the Internet. Historically in the United States, the most prevalent type of dietary supplement was a multivitamin/mineral tablet or capsule that was available in pharmacies by prescription or "over the counter." Supplements containing strictly herbal preparations were less widely available. Currently in the United States, a wide array of supplement products are available, including vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients; botanical supplements; and ingredients and extracts of animal and plant origin, but producers of supplements are not allowed to attribute any potential health benefit to their products. 20
Dr. Ferris said some people with intermediate AMD may not wish to take large doses of antioxidant vitamins or zinc because of medical reasons. "For example, beta-carotene has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer among smokers," he said. "These people may want to discuss with their primary care doctor the best combination of nutrients for them. With the use of the high levels of zinc, it is important to add appropriate amounts of copper to the diet to prevent copper deficiency." 16
References
The Panacea offers these health-extracts to help people investigate health-related subjects in greater depth using the references given in each paragraph. Kindly note that these are current extracts from the web, meant for research, and that these are not meant to be medical advise. For all your health-related needs you must consult trained and licensed personnel.
Important posts in Anti Oxidants
comments
Leave a Reply