How much zinc should I take?!
Question:
How much zinc should I take?
I've heard zinc can help with body odor, and I plan on taking some.
However, I want to take a safe amount so that I know that I don't do any harm to my body.
Answers:
I've never heard that zinc can help with body odor, however, zinc is a component of more than 300 enzymes needed for such functions as wound repair, fertility, synthesizing protein, preserving vision and boosting immunity. Natural sources include oysters, meat, eggs, seafood, black-eyed peas, tofu and wheat germ. The average diet sometimes does provide less zinc than needed so a low-dose supplement (15 mg/day) can fill in gaps. Best not to take more than 25 mg/day unless you're under medical supervision. Zinc inhibits copper absorption so good zinc supplements often include some copper. Zinc competes for absorption with iron, calcium and magnesium--another reason to consider taking a multiple mineral supplement that includes 15-25 mg of zinc.