Zinc is a mineral involved in immune function, digestion and insulin function. In addition, it's essential for hair and fingernail growth and regulates the metabolism. Research suggests that zinc might also be associated with reducing the risk for lung cancer.
Lung Cancer Risk
Scientists from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center studied the effects of different minerals on lung cancer risk. They analyzed participants with and without lung cancer. They discovered that increasing zinc intake lowered the risk of developing lung cancer, according to findings published in the 2006 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer."
Zinc Intake
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health examined the effects of dietary iron, zinc and calcium on lung cancer risk. Healthy participants and lung cancer patients filled out a questionnaire pertaining to iron, calcium and zinc intake. Scientists found that the highest levels of iron, zinc and calcium combined, increase the risk for lung cancer especially among current smokers, according to research reported in the November 2005 issue of the journal "Epidemiology."
Zinc and Vitamin C
In research reported in the 2005 issue of the journal "Nutrition Cancer," researchers from Kyungpook National University in Korea examined the interaction between iron and zinc and vitamin C supplements on lung cancer risk in postmenopausal women. They found that participants with high dietary zinc intake consuming 500 mg of vitamin C or more from supplements reduced their risk of developing lung cancer.
Interactions
Zinc supplementation may interfere with certain medications, including amiloride, blood pressure medications, antibiotics, cisplatin, deferoxamine and penicillamine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you are currently taking medications or plan to, consult your health care provider before taking zinc supplements.
References
- "International Journal of Cancer"; Dietary Zinc, Copper and Selenium, and Risk of Lung Cancer; S. Mahabir et al.; 2006
- "Epidemiology"; Dietary Iron, Zinc, and Calcium and the RIsk of Lung Cancer; W. Zhou et al.; November 2005
- "Nutrition Cancer"; Interaction Among Heme Iron, Zinc, and Suppleemntal Vitamin C Intake on the Risk of Lung Cancer: Iowa Women's Health Study; D.H. Lee and D.R. Jacobs; 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Zinc
