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Kirkman’s Hypoallergenic Zinc Capsules (Bio-Max Series) Zinc is present in every cell in the body and is also a component in over 200 enzymes as well. Actually, zinc is involved in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral constituent in mammals. Zinc is essential for normal skin, vision, smell, taste, reproduction and for protein synthesis and wound healing. It is also one of the most important factors in a healthy immune system, a...

Kirkman’s Hypoallergenic Zinc Capsules (Bio-Max Series) Zinc is present in every cell in the body and is also a component in over 200 enzymes as well. Actually, zinc is involved in more enzymatic reactions than any other mineral constituent in mammals. Zinc is essential for normal skin, vision, smell, taste, reproduction and for protein synthesis and wound healing. It is also one of the most important factors in a healthy immune system, as well as being essential to normal brain development. A study published in 1997 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reported that Chinese children receiving 20 mg. of zinc supplementation daily scored 10-15% higher on educational tests than unsupplemented children. Zinc and the Immune System Zinc is involved in just about every aspect of immunity and helps support a healthy immune system, including the immune enhancing "T" cells which are necessary for immune response. WHY MIGHT MY INDIVIDUALS BE DEFICIENT IN ZINC? The best sources of zinc are shellfish, fish, and red meats with oysters being by far the richest source. Substantial amounts are also found in certain plant foods such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, mushrooms and some herbs. The zinc from plant sources is not absorbed well, because it binds to a fiber compound in plant seeds called phytic acid to form an insoluble zinc-phytate complex which can not be assimilated. Zinc levels in the body may be lowered by the following conditions:

1. Diarrhea
2. Fiber consumption which causes zinc excretion through the intestinal tract
3. Perspiration
4. High calcium and iron consumption
5. Copper ingestion
6. Liver or kidney disease and diabetes HOW MUCH AND WHEN SHOULD I SUPPLEMENT WITH ZINC? Children and adults need between 10 mg. and 50 mg. daily. Though the recommended daily value is 15 mg., it is generally recognized that 30 to 50% of ingested zinc is not absorbed due to the complexing with phytic acid, perspiration loss, fiber transport through the intestine, or because of the competition for absorption with copper, iron and calcium. Kirkman Laboratories includes 10 mg. of zinc in all Super Nu-Thera® products. Because of the absorption issues noted above, many physicians also recommend additional zinc supplementation some time after the evening meal or at bedtime. By taking it at that time there will be no fiber, calcium, iron or copper going through the system to interfere with its utilization. This should insure enough zinc gets absorbed so as to avoid a deficiency. Kirkman offers the following zinc supplements: Zinc liquid. 20 mg. per teaspoon ZINC HYPOALLERGENIC CAPSULES (BIO-MAX Series) Kirkman's hypoallergenic zinc capsules contain 20 mg. elemental zinc from a 50/50 citrate-amino acid chelate blend. These forms of zinc are used by Kirkman because the citrate is the form of zinc utilized by the human Kreb cycle and amino acid chelates have studies behind them which show support for very good absorption. Kirkman believes this combination of sources is unsurpassed and therefore this product carries the Bio-Max logo. Kirkman's hypoallergenic zinc capsules are encapsulated in a plant cellulose shell and contain only vegetable grade magnesium stearate as a lubricant. No other fillers or potential allergens are present.