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National Institute of Health: ZincVegetarians sometimes
require as much as 50% more of the RDA for zinc than non-vegetarians. In addition, they might benefit from using certain food
preparation techniques that reduce the binding of zinc by phytates and increase its bioavailability. Techniques to increase
zinc bioavailability include soaking beans, grains, and seeds in water for several hours before cooking them and allowing
them to sit after soaking until sprouts form. Vegetarians can also increase their zinc intake by consuming more leavened grain
products (such as bread) than unleavened products (such as crackers) because leavening partially breaks down the phytate;
thus, the body absorbs more zinc from leavened grains than unleavened grains.Severe zinc deficiency depresses immune function The effect of zinc treatment on the severity
or duration of cold symptoms is controversial. Researchers have hypothesized that zinc directly inhibits rhinovirus binding
and replication in the nasal mucosa and suppresses inflammation. However, no data are available to support this hypothesis. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
clinical trial, 50 subjects (within 24 hours of developing the common cold) took a zinc acetate lozenge (13.3 mg zinc) or
placebo every 2–3 wakeful hours. Compared with placebo, the zinc lozenges significantly reduced the duration of cold
symptoms (cough, nasal discharge, and muscle aches) Both quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro®)
and tetracycline antibiotics (such as Achromycin® and Sumycin®) interact with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract,
inhibiting the absorption of both zinc and the antibiotic. Taking the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours
after taking a zinc supplement minimizes this interaction.
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