Zinc Gluconate and Acne Explained

Zinc gluconate and acne: There have been a number of studies done on whether zinc supplementation improved acne. The results are somewhat mixed, but overall were positive. The basis of this research came from observing that people with acne often had lower levels of zinc than people without acne.

The problem with some studies on zinc and acne is that very high dosages of zinc were used - 90 to 135mg per day. The results from this study showed a slight improvement with those taking zinc. But the form of zinc used here - zinc sulfate - is not absorbed by the body very well.

Other studies have tested zinc against tetracycline antibiotics, and the results were favourable. 30mg of zinc taken by people was tested against 100mg of minocycline antibiotics and 250mg tetracycline antibiotics. Zinc was found to be less effective than the minocycline at that dose level, but as effective as tetracycline. When compared to higher dosages of tetracycline (500mg), however, tetracycline was found to be more effective.

The bottom line for zinc gluconate and acne is that at 30mg there seems to be some benefit for acne sufferers. Zinc gluconate is more effectively absorbed than zinc sulfate. Zinc citrate is also good, and even better would be zinc picolinate, zinc acetate and zinc monomethionine.

Benefits of Zinc Supplements

Zinc is used by almost all our cells. In particular, our bones, the prostate gland and our eyes. It works with our enzymes in our eyes, liver, kidneys, muscles, skin, and testes. Zinc is essential for normal pregnancies and our growth. Zinc speeds up the process of wound healing, and can help prevent scars. It helps the body process the essential fatty acids that the skin uses for healing. Zinc deficiencies have been linked to a poor immune system.

Some people, hearing of the benefits of zinc gluconate and acne, have tried zinc supplementation at the upper levels in the study. These levels are potentially quite toxic, and should not be attempted unless under medical supervision. 30mg per day is safe however.

Signs of zinc toxicity include: stomach upets, diarrhea, vomitting, kidney problems, and zinc toxicity can be fatal.

Fiber binds with zinc and so reduces the amount your body will be able to use, so take the zinc supplement at a different time to a high fiber meal. Zinc supplements taken long term may cause a copper deficiency, so its best to take a copper supplement as well, 1 to 3 mg per day. Take any antibiotics 2 hours away from a zinc supplement.

If you want to check out why Chinese herbal medicine is so effective in treating acne, without the side effects of zinc gluconate for acne, click here.