Zinc
Zinc has significant positive effects for control of tinnitus There is
a higher zinc level in the soft tissues of the cochlea and vestibule than
any other part of the body. Zinc supplementation in people who are marginally
zinc deficient is reported to demonstrate an "improvement in tinnitus
and sensorineural hearing loss." Zinc deficiency may also be a cause
of presbycusis or hearing loss which results from the normal aging process.
Zinc deficiency is diagnosed by a serum zinc level determination, and
borderline deficiency is a serum zinc level below 0.9ug/g
Zinc supplements include zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate, zinc aspartate,
and a commercial preparation called 'Z-plex (Bronson Pharmaceuticals,
California), which is a combination of gluconate and sulfate. Zinc picolinate
has a better, absorption and toleration than others. It is stressed that
the supplement of zinc needed to correct a chronic deficiency must be
large. Recommended dosages to correct zinc deficiency have been 600 mg
of zinc sulfate daily containing 150 mg of zinc at least 6-10 times the
recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc. The RDA for zinc is 15 mg,
i.e., dosages of 90 to 150 mg/ day.
A serum zinc and copper assay is recommended before commencement of zinc
supplementation, with a repeat testing after 3 to 6 months of zinc supplement
use. Copper and zinc are reciprocal in the serum; high zinc levels are
accompanied by low copper levels and vice versa. A copper deficiency may
develop with prolonged zinc therapy. A known symptom of copper deficiency
is anemia.
Signs of zinc deficiency include brittle finger nails, impaired sense
of taste and smell, abnormal hair loss, tinnitus, sensorineural hearing
loss, night blindness, and prostatic problems.
Always see your doctor before beginning any treatment or medication.
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