Over-the-counter vitamin supplements can help maintain hair growth, heart health, bone health and metabolism. Multivitamin formulas generally contain a mixture of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Complete multivitamin formulas also include minerals. Most complete multivitamin formulas include the mineral zinc. Humans need a very small amount of this metal to maintain good health.
Multivitamins
Multivitamin supplements can be formulated for general health or to target a specific medical condition. Some multivitamin formulas only contain a few vitamins, whereas others contain an array of vitamins plus minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are needed to maintain good health, reduce the risk of medical problems due to vitamin deficiencies and to help control weight and metabolism.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element used in the body to boost the immune system, prevent lower respiratory infections, improve strength, reduce eye irritation, prevent dental plaque formation and to treat the common cold. In addition, zinc is also needed to maintain proper thyroid functioning, blood clotting and the healing of wounds. Although zinc can be found in foods and multivitamin supplements, it can also be found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, ointments and creams.
Recommended Daily Allowance
According to Medline Plus, zinc is safe for adults to take in supplement form as long as the dose doesn't exceed 40 mg per day, even if it is within a multivitmin formula. Taking a dose of 100 mg or more or taking zinc in the form of a supplement for more than 10 years can double the risk of developing prostate cancer and the risk of dying from it.
Complications
If you have a zinc deficiency, do not double up your doses of zinc or multivitamin supplements. Doing this may increase your risk of developing mineral or vitamin overdose, which can cause toxic side effects.Tell your physician before taking zinc supplements, as they may cause interactions with certain medications.
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