Zinc is one of the essential minerals that your body needs regularly in order to function properly. It is required for several important biological processes, including protein manufacture, enzyme activity, wound healing, DNA production, proper immune system function and cell division. Because your body cannot make zinc on its own, it must obtain it from food or dietary supplements. In recent years, there has been investigation into the link between zinc, prostate gland health and the prevention of prostate cancer. However, as of 2011, the evidence to support this is limited.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. It helps squeeze fluid into the urethra during sexual climax; however, its full functions are still unknown to medical science, the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports. As men age, it is common for the prostate to become enlarged in a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. This causes the prostate to press down on the urethra, causing frequent urination and possibly devolving into urinary retention in the bladder, urinary tract infections, incontinence or bladder stones.
Prostate Cancer
The other reason for an enlarged prostate gland is prostate cancer, the most common type of cancer in men, MayoClinic.com reports. In its early stages, malignant or cancerous growths in the prostate may not cause any symptoms. Advanced prostate cancer, however, may result in an enlarged gland, erectile dysfunction, trouble urinating, blood in semen and urine, bone pain, leg swelling and pelvic discomfort. Fortunately, most cases of prostate cancer usually remain localized to the prostate gland, grow slowly, and rarely spread to other areas.
Link Between Zinc and Prostate Health
Some medical studies, such as those done by Gonzalez et al. and Epstein et al., have shown a positive correlation between high dietary zinc intake or supplementation and reduced risk of prostate cancer mortality. No results concerning the effects of zinc on benign prostatic hyperplasia were published. However, a study by Leitzmann et al. published in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" found that men who took more than 100 mg daily of supplemental zinc had a slightly higher risk of advanced prostate cancer compared to non-users. They cautioned that chronic over-consumption of zinc might contribute to carcinogenesis. Other studies have yielded conflicting findings on the link between zinc and prostate cancer health.
Proper Intake of Zinc
Given the inconsistent results of clinical investigation into prostate health and zinc intake, it may be best to limit or moderate zinc consumption within the official guidelines set by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine. The recommended daily allowance for zinc is 11 mg for adult males and 8 mg for adult females. Lactating and pregnant women require slightly more zinc: 11 mg and 12 mg, respectively. Though zinc is readily available in supplemental form over the counter, a wide variety of foods naturally contain this mineral. These include oysters, crab, pork, beef, chicken, beans, nuts, chickpeas and cheese. Some products also have zinc added to them, such as fortified breakfast cereals.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Dietary Zinc and Prostate Cancer Survival in a Swedish Cohort; M.M. Epstein, et al.; March 2011
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; Zinc supplement use and the risk of prostate cancer; M.F. Leitzmann, et al.; July 2003
- Mayo Clinic; Prostate cancer; February 2010
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement; Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; June 2006
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; Zinc Intake from Supplements and Diet and Prostate Cancer; A. Gonzalez, et al.; 2009
