Zinc Gluconate Dihydrate
Zinc gluconate dihydrate is a form of zinc supplement that is commonly used to treat zinc deficiency, diarrhea, and Wilson disease. Zinc is an essential mineral that is critical for the function of hundreds of enzymes, plays many roles, including in antioxidant enzymes, brain function, and the immune system.
Zinc gluconate dihydrate has been associated with a variety of benefits such as reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea in children who are undernourished or zinc deficient. Taking zinc supplements has also been linked to improving blood pressure, glucose, and LDL cholesterol levels in the serum. Some evidence suggests that taking zinc could even prevent symptoms and shorten the duration of certain respiratory tract infections.
In terms of dosage, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for zinc is 40 mg per day. While zinc is generally safe, excessive intake can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and long-term excessive intake has been associated with copper deficiency and iron deficiency, as well as suppression of the immune system. Intranasal zinc has been reported to cause a loss of smell in some people. There are many different types of zinc supplements available on the market, but zinc gluconate is a common form.
One case study found that taking 220 mg of zinc sulfate twice daily for 12 weeks helped reduce muscle cramps. Another study found that taking zinc by mouth reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea in children who are undernourished or zinc deficient. Additionally, research suggests that taking zinc alone or with other nutrients reduces blood sugar in healthy people and in those with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or obesity.
