These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Zinc [posted 1/5/99]
Question:Is it safe to take zinc everyday?
Answer: Seems to be.
Zinc
Question: What effect does zinc have on the prostate and on diabetes?
Answer: Controlled studies of zinc have never demonstrated any particular
benefit. However, zinc is concentrated in the prostate and may be bacteriostatic.
Consequently, many have used it for recurring infections. I always recommend it to
patients since the risks are minimal. I have had about 5-10% of patients who clearly
responded. I think that it works in occasional patients for reasons that are unclear. I
think the studies include too many people to see the number who do improve. It is only
useful for recurring infections, and not hypertrophy (increasing size) or prostate cancer.
If you have recurring infections I'd try it for 3-5 months. Be aware that there may be no
difference in the number or severity of infections. Zinc is used in many insulin
preparations but has no effect on diabetes mellitus.
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Last modified January 5, 1999