Macro-minerals are minerals such as calcium that your body needs in large amounts. Trace minerals are minerals your body needs in small amounts, such as zinc. The recommended dietary zinc intake is 11 mg if you are an adult male and 8 mg if you are an adult female. Therapeutic doses are 30 to 60 mg for males and 30 to 45 mg for females, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Significance
Zinc helps support your immune function and is often found in cold lozenges and cold remedies. It helps facilitate wound healing, DNA synthesis, cell division, vision, sense of smell, blood clotting and reproduction. It also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 60 and older, according to Medline Plus. It is a disease that affects your central vision. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, physicians often recommend zinc to slow this disease. Supplementing 80 mg -- along with 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 mg of vitamin E, 15 mg of copper and 2 mg of copper -- has been shown to slow age-related macular degeneration, says the UMMC.
Common Cold
Zinc may be helpful in reducing symptoms when you have the common cold. According to a study published in the September, 2004 issue of the "Journal of the American Pharmacists Association," zinc taken with 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms reduces duration and severity of symptoms.
Precautions
According to the UMMC, the effects of long-term zinc supplementation are unknown. Doses much higher than those recommended may actually weaken your immune system, says the UMMC. Common zinc side effects include mild stomach upset, nausea, headache, dizziness and drowsiness. Zinc may interfere with your blood pressure medications, some antibiotics and immunosuppressant medications. Consult your doctor before taking zinc, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have a chronic condition.
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