Zinc is a mineral and is important for growth, development and maintenance of body tissues. Zinc gluconate provides elemental zinc used to treat and to prevent zinc deficiency. It is considered as one of the important minerals found in almost every cell in the human body. It promotes the activity of about 100 enzymes. Risk of infection increases when deficiency of zinc occurs. In treatment of common cold, zinc supplements may interfere with rhinovirus cleavage or adhesion and may play a role in protecting plasma membranes from microbial toxins and complement. Zinc supplementation has also been extensively used in treating diarrheal episodes in children.

Indications:

• Regulating immune function
• Diarrhea
• Learning and memory
• Common cold
• Wound healing
• Osteoporosis
• Acne

Mechanism:
Zinc supplementation boosts immunity against viruses or may interfere with the replication of certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus.
Zinc has three primary biological roles: catalytic, structural, and regulatory. Zinc is an important part of structural units in numerous proteins, inclusive of growth factors, cytokines, receptors, enzymes, and transcription factors for different cellular signaling pathways. Zinc is a cofactor for approximately 3000 human proteins including enzymes, nuclear factors, and hormones.
Absorption
About 33% of administered zinc is absorbed in the small intestine by a carrier-mediated mechanism.
Volume of distribution
Mainly distributed in liver, lung, kidney and shows about 60-70% protein binding
Elimination
Secreted through both biliary and intestinal secretions and shows half-life of about 280 days

Side Effects:
The product is possible safe for most adults. There is no disadvantage associated with the product if taken under the recommended usage however constipation, diarrhoea, upset stomach and metallic taste can be observed by some patients.

Interactions:

• Zinc interacts with antibiotics like quinolones and tetracyclines
• It can also react with Cisplatin and penicillamine

Contraindications:
The product should not be consumed by patient having

• Deficiency of copper
• Allergy to zinc