RESEARCHES ON ZINC UTILITY
Patricia Wagner, Ph.D. coauthored a study at the University of Florida, relating zinc levels to overall immune response in 203 subjects aged sixty to ninety-three. Tests showed that forty-five persons had weakened immune system, and these same people all had the lowest zinc levels. When five of these subjects were given fifty-five mg of zinc daily for four weeks, their immunocompetence was restored.
However, it was concluded that most people need only 15 mg of zinc daily to ensure immunocompetence. Those who eat a variety of vegetables and whole grains may not need supplementation.
In a similar study in Brussels, (reported in the American Journal of Medicine, May 1981) Dr. Jean duChateau divided thirty subjects aged seventy and over into two groups. One group took 220 mg of zinc sulphate twice daily for a month and the control group received none. Results showed a significant improvement in a number of immune system components in the zinc-treated group, especially in the number of circulating T ceils. This plainly indicates that zinc stimulates the biological activity of white blood cells.
Other studies have confirmed that a zinc deficiency can inhibit die healing of wounds and can reduce activity of the thymus gland, a key factor in T cell production. A deficiency of zinc can also lead to depression, insomnia or anxiety, emotional states which also contribute to immunosuppression.
In recent years, numerous other studies have documented that a zinc deficiency will contribute to immunosuppression, including atrophy of lymphoid tissue and abnormalities in both T and B cells. A significant proportion of elderly Americans is believed to be deficient in zinc. Researchers have shown that when an adequate zinc intake is restored, immune system function swiftly responds by increasing the number of T lymphocytes and increasing sensitivity to antigens.
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