Positive Health Online

Abstract

MOYAD, University of Michigan Medical Center-Dept. of Urology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, has reviewed (33 references) regarding zinc for prostate disease and other conditions. Abstract:/b Dietary and supplemental zinc has received much attention in numerous alternative medicine resources. There is a small amount of medical evidence that zinc may alleviate some mostly rare medical conditions. However, in other prostate conditions, large concentrations of zinc are found in the prostate gland. Excess intake of zinc, especially with individual supplements, has the potential to encourage the growth of prostate conditions from benign prostate enlargement to cancer. One large study found a significantly higher risk of advanced prostate cancer in men consuming large intakes of zinc supplements. Large doses of zinc can inhibit the benefits of bisphosphonate drugs, increase testosterone level, increase cholesterol, reduce levels of high density lipoprotein- associated ('good') cholesterol, and can promote immune dysfunction. More research is needed in this area, but in the meantime, the time seems more than ripe to discourage or immediately discontinue the intake of larger concentrations of zinc for most men until adequate research resolves this controversial issue.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Moyad MA. Zinc for prostate disease and other conditions: a little evidence, a lot of hype, and a significant potential problem. Urologic Nursing 24 (1): 49-52, Feb 2004.

Comment

Daily zinc long-term dosage ought not to exceed 11 mg.