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Zinc & Prednisone

Zinc & Prednisone

The Mighty Zinc: A Key Ingredient in Nutranize Zone for Combating Prednisone Side Effects

Written by: Dr. Megan Milne & Dana Nahoum

Prednisone is a medication that can be very beneficial in treating various health conditions, but it can also have some side effects. Nutranize Zone is a special product designed to assist people in counteracting those side effects. One of its key ingredients is zinc. Let’s explore how zinc works and how it could benefit someone taking prednisone.

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What is Zinc?

Zinc is an important mineral that our bodies need to stay healthy. It can be found in foods like meat, fish, nuts, and seeds. Our bodies cannot produce zinc on their own, so we must get it from the food we eat or through supplements like Nutranize Zone.

How Does Zinc Work?

Zinc plays a crucial role in many aspects of our health. It helps support our immune system, aids in wound healing, and is necessary for proper growth and development. Zinc also assists in the production of enzymes, which are essential for various bodily functions.

How does Prednisone Deplete Zinc?

According to Natural Medicines Database, prednisone and corticosteroids can modestly reduce zinc levels. For most patients, a supplement can be recommended especially if prednisone is taken with other zinc-depleting medications. So which other medications should we be cautious of because they can also deplete zinc?

There are different levels of depletion:

These medications will cause a Moderate Depletion of Zinc

  1. Deferoxamine 
  2. Penicillamine 
  3. Propofol 
  4. Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure and fluid retention)

Modest Depletion: (but important when used with prednisone as well) 

  1. Captopril 
  2. Cholestyramine 
  3. Corticosteroids – Prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone
  4. Estrogens (birth control pills, hormone replacement)
  5. H2-Blockers (famotidine to reduce the acid in the stomach and acid reflux)
  6. Phenytoin (Dilantin for seizures)
  7. Proton pump inhibitors (pantoprazole, omeprazole, or esomeprazole for acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)) 
  8. Quinolone Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or ofloxacin) 
  9. Tetracycline Antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline) 
  10. Valproate (divalproex or Depakote for seizures) 
  11. Less-Common Medications: Cisplatin, Dexrazoxane, Disulfiram (sulfa), Ethambutol, Zidovudine

How Can Zinc Help Someone on Prednisone? 

Prednisone can have certain side effects that may impact our bodies. Zinc can potentially help mitigate these effects and support overall health. Here’s how:

zinc
1. Strengthening the Immune System

Prednisone can weaken the immune system, making it harder for our bodies to fight off infections. Zinc is known for its immune-boosting properties, which may help strengthen our defenses against illnesses and promote overall well-being.

2. Promoting Wound Healing

Prednisone can slow down the healing process for cuts, bruises, or other injuries. Zinc is essential for wound healing, as it helps the body produce new cells and repair damaged tissues. By consuming enough zinc, you may potentially speed up the healing process and improve wound recovery.

3. Supporting Growth and Development

Prednisone can sometimes affect growth and development, especially in children. Zinc is necessary for proper growth and development, as it helps with cell division and DNA synthesis. By ensuring an adequate intake of zinc, you can potentially support healthy growth and development.

How Can Nutranize Zone Help?

Nutranize Zone, containing zinc as one of its ingredients, offers a convenient way to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential mineral. By taking Nutranize Zone while on prednisone, you can potentially support your immune system, promote wound healing, and aid in growth and development.

How to Eat More Zinc?

The average person needs to have zinc incorporated into their diet. This essential nutrient can be found in various types of foods that can be consumed in any meal! 

To get more Zinc in your diet you can eat foods that are high in zinc from the highest mg per serving to the least:

Conclusion

Zinc is a mighty mineral that can help counteract some of the side effects caused by prednisone. By consuming enough zinc through Nutranize Zone or zinc-rich foods, individuals on prednisone can potentially strengthen their immune system, assist in wound healing, and support growth and development. Always remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or making significant changes to your diet.

References
  1. Petrilli MA, Kranz TM, Kleinhaus K, et al. Front Pharmacol. 2017 Jun 30;8:414. PMID: 28713269; PMCID: PMC5492454; DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00414.
  2. Nowak G, Siwek M, Dudek D, et al. Pol J Pharmacol. 2003 Nov-Dec;55(6):1143-7. PMID: 14730113.
  3. Strause L, Saltman P, Smith KT, et al. J Nutr. 1994;124:1060-4. PMID: 8027856; DOI: 10.1093/jn/124.7.1060.
  4. Hyun TH, Barrett-Connor E, Milne DB. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Sep;80(3):715-21. PubMed PMID: 15321813; DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/80.3.715.
  5. Dreno B, Trossaert M, Boiteau HL, et al. Acta Derm Venereol. 1992;72:250-2. PMID: 1357876.
  6. Lazzerini M, Wanzira H. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Dec 20;12:CD005436. PMID: 27996088; PMCID: PMC5450879; DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005436.pub5.
  7. Buist RA. Drug-Nutrient Interactions–An Overview. Int Clin Nutr Rev. 1984;4(3):114-121.
  8.  Zinc. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112#:~:text=Zinc%2C%20a %20nutrient%20found%20throughout,meat%20and%20fortified%20breakfast%20cereals
  9. Prednisone. Lexi-Drugs. Accessed October 22, 2023. www.online.lexi.com https://0-online-lexi-com.liucat.lib.liu.edu/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/755 0?cesid=794uqJZPyvS&searchUrl=%2Flco%2Faction%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dprednis one%26t%3Dname%26acs%3Dfalse%26acq%3Dprednisone# 
  10. Prednisone https://prednisonepharmacist.com/side-effects-solutions/prednisone-side-effects/ 
  11. Zinc. Natural Medicines. https://0-naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.liucat.lib.liu.edu/# 
  12. Zinc depletion. Natural Medicines. https://0-naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.liucat.lib.liu.edu/databases/food, -herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=982#nutrientDepletion 
  13. Foods High in Zinc. Health Direct. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/foods-high-in-zinc#sources 
For further reading:
  1. 75+ Scientific Articles and Nutranize Zone Ingredients
  2. 9+ Nutrients Depleted by Prednisone
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