Zinc acetate is a supplement used to prevent zinc deficiency and treat Wilson’s disease. It has side effects, including allergic reactions, and should not be taken with high phosphorus or calcium foods. Pregnant women should avoid it, and it can prevent antibiotics from being absorbed. Zinc acetate lozenges may shorten the common cold, and it is used to stop copper absorption in Wilson’s disease.
The human body needs certain micro and macro nutrients for optimal performance. Zinc is one such nutritious supplement that has antioxidant properties, helps with the absorption of vitamin A, and promotes healthy hormones and body tissue. Zinc acetate is a supplement that prevents a zinc deficiency and is used to treat Wilson’s disease and other conditions. It is also called zinc salt dihydrate and zinc diacetate.
However, zinc acetate should be taken with water; when also taken with food, it can reduce the likelihood of an upset stomach. Foods or beverages high in phosphorus or calcium act against zinc acetate. They actually prevent zinc from being absorbed into the body; thus, taking it with a glass of milk would render the supplement useless. Other alarming side effects include allergic reactions, breathing problems, ulcers, fainting, chest pains and fatigue. It is important to see a doctor for any of these serious side effects.
There is new research that supports the fact that zinc acetate will cause harm to a fetus. As a result, pregnant women should either avoid taking it or discuss side effects with a doctor. Also, because it is secreted through breast milk, women are warned not to breastfeed a baby while taking it due to the potential harm it can cause to a baby. It will also prevent antibiotics from being absorbed, so discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications with a doctor before consuming zinc acetate.
Medical research indicates that zinc acetate lozenges can shorten the duration of the common cold. In one study, research participants who took the lozenges had cold symptoms for 4.5 days versus 8.1 days, a less severe cough, and less runny nose. While the study appears to show that lozenges may be helpful, scientists still believe the results are inconclusive. Future research studies may be more conclusive regarding the effect of lozenges on the common cold.
One of the main reasons zinc acetate is used is to treat individuals with Wilson’s disease. This is a genetic disease in which copper is not released, but stored, poisoning the body. Excess copper can cause fatal damage to the eyes, brain, liver and other organs. It affects one in 40,000 people and affects women and men equally. Zinc acetate works to stop copper from being absorbed into the body and is often used in combination with other prescription medications.
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