Zinc Orotate Dietary Supplement, Antioxidant Action - Reviews, Dosage

Zinc Orotate 50 mg is a supplement containing the orotate form of zinc, an essential trace-element, but one in which many people are deficient.

Because the zinc in this supplement is in its optimal form, it maximises the main effects of this trace-element: to stimulate the immune system, support the healing process and reduce the risk of fatigue.

What role does zinc play in the body?

Involved in more than 200 enzymatic reactions, zinc is an element the body needs in order to function properly. By trapping free radicals and stimulating production of antioxidant proteins in cells called metalloproteins, zinc helps to reduce oxidative stress.

It also plays a part in:

• Metabolising carbohydrates, fats (especially intestinal absorption of triglycerides) and proteins.
• Maintaining healthy skin tissue, with effects on healing and proteosynthesis (keratin and collagen).
• The process of detoxification.
• The immune system’s response to attack (either from stress or infection); researchers have shown that even a slight deficiency in zinc can affect several aspects of the immune system (1).
• Maintaining good cognitive function(2). Moderate zinc deficiency may predispose to subtle reductions in cognitive function, while synthesis of neuronal growth factor (NGF) is clearly influenced by the availability of zinc.
• Supporting healthy vision, by maintaining optic nerve integrity and rod cell function in the retina.

In short, without zinc, nothing in the body is able to function properly: the slightest shortfall can have clinically significant consequences, of which these are the two warning signs:

• A reduction in immune function: frequent infections, small wounds that won’t heal, low resistance to viruses and bacteria …
• Irritability potentially extending to depressive episodes.

Where is zinc found in the diet?

Most meats and nuts contain good levels of zinc, and it is also found in some other foods:

• Oysters: 15-30mg per 100g.
• Calves’, beef or pig’s liver: 6-12mg per 100g.
• Beef: 7-12mg per 100g, depending on the cut.
• Sesame seeds: 3mg per 60g.
• Chicken: 3mg per 100g.
• Dried mushrooms: 3mg per dozen mushrooms.
• Cooked pulses: 2-3mg per 250g.

The body only absorbs 15%-40% of the zinc present in food, and this figure also declines with age.

What benefits are offered by the orotate form of zinc?

Studies (3-4) have shown that some supplements are relatively ineffective because of the form of zinc they contain, or the sweetener used to mask the metallic taste (citric acid, tartaric acid or glycine).

What’s more, minerals need to be bound to specific amino acids in the gut in order to be properly absorbed. This is a natural process which is essential if the zinc is to successfully cross the intestinal barrier and enter the bloodstream.

The orotate form offered by SuperSmart negates the need for this complex and uneven stage by pre-binding the zinc to an organic substance. The zinc is thus directly absorbable: rather than being presented to the body as a piece of indigestible metal, it is instead an ‘absorption-ready’ nutrient.

The result is spectacular: a massive increase in the rate at which the zinc is absorbed. What’s more, this orotate form meets all the following quality criteria:

• optimal bioavailability;
• resistance to stomach acids;
• low molecular weight;
• compatible with meat-free diets;
• low rate of competition with other salts.

Which individuals are at risk of a lack of zinc?

Though our bodies need very little zinc, intake of this trace-element is nonetheless essential.

As a result of changes in our eating habits, advanced farming techniques, impoverished soil and the almost inevitable refinement of cereals, mild deficiencies are common among modern societies.

This is particularly so among the following populations:

• Those over 50 who often have inadequate zinc levels and reduced cellular immunity (5-6), primarily due to a decline in absorption of zinc in the gut and the effects of taking numerous drugs (7).
• Those who eat little meat and fish. This is because the main dietary sources of zinc are meat, fish, and seafood, with pulses and nuts some way behind.
• Those suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, who always have increased requirements for zinc (8).
• Alcoholics.
• Those with compromised immunity.

How should Zinc Orotate be taken?

It is advisable to leave at least a two-hour gap between supplementing with Zinc Orotate and taking antacids, antibiotics and tetracyclines.

For optimal absorption, it’s also best to take zinc on an empty stomach, and not with a meal.

Generally speaking, deficiency in zinc is associated with deficiency in selenium. These two antioxidant trace-elements help to trap free radicals and as such, are potentially important anti-ageing substances. In cases of weak immunity, Zinc Orotate can be combined with the product Green Propolis, a supplement containing green propolis.

Many factors influence how well our immune systems respond to daily attacks: sleep quality, exposure to stress, physical fitness, and above all, diet. Throughout the period of zinc supplementation, we’d recommend also following these 10 steps to avoid falling ill over winter.

What’s the latest news on zinc?

Zinc may help to fight infections by preventing excess inflammation(9). Though this was discovered in 2013, it remains relevant for the 2 billion people across the world affected by a lack of zinc.

Lack of zinc may also play a role in the development of hypertension (10). A study published in 2019 suggested that low zinc levels may contribute to high blood pressure by altering kidney function. Type 2 diabetics are mentioned in this study as being at higher risk of zinc deficiency.

Take one to two vegetarian capsules a day, or as advised by your therapist.

Caution: do not exceed the recommended daily dose. This product is a nutritional supplement and should not be used to replace a varied, balanced diet or healthy lifestyle. Keep out of young children’s reach. Store away from light, heat and humidity. As with all nutritional supplements, consult a health professional before taking if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suffer from a health problem.

1. Modulating the immune response by oral zinc supplementation: a single approach for multiple diseases. Overbeck S, Rink L, Haase H. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 2008 Jan-Feb;56(1):15-30. Review.
2. GOODWIN JS, GOODWIN JM et GARRY PJ. Association between nutritional status and cognitive functlonning ln a healthy elderly population. JÀMÀ, 3 June 1983; 249 (21): 2917-21.
3. Eby GA. Zinc lozenges: cold cure or candy? Solution chemistry determinations. Biosci Rep. 2004 Feb;24(1):23-39.
4. Hulisz D. Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: an overview. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash DC). 2004 Sep-Oct;44(5):594-603. Review.
5. LESOURD B. Vitamines et oligo-éléments chez la personne âgée. Nutrition Clinique et Métabolisme, 1994; 8: 79-82.
6. FERRY M. La dénutrition du sujet âgé. Ann. Bio/, Clin. 1990; 48: 303-8.
7. EURONUT SENECA INVESTIGATORS. Nutritional status: blood vitamins A, E, 86, 812, folicacid and caroten. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 1991; 45: 63-82.
8. JEANDEL C, METAIS, OEBRY G et CUNY G. Prévention diététique en France. Rev. Prat. (Paris), 1993; 43 {2): 177-181.
9. Ohio State University. "Zinc helps against infection by tapping brakes in immune response." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 February 2013.
10. American Physiological Society, Zinc deficiency may play a role in high blood pressure, January 24, 2019.