Zinc is a mineral that has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease not by how much there is in the body, but by how little. Patients with AD have been found to have one thing in common -- very low levels of zinc. Zinc, it is believed, is instrumental in preventing the amyloid plaques that are representative of AD from building up on the brain cells.

Zinc is one mineral that can be kept in balance through a good, healthy diet. It is found in brewer’s yeast and legumes. It is also found in fresh foods such as lima beans, mushrooms, parsley, and soybeans. Both pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds also contain zinc, which can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are eating a well-balanced diet, you are probably getting enough zinc to help prevent AD. Many people will increase their intake when they are getting a cold because it seems to boost the immune system and shorten the duration of the cold’s symptoms. Zinc, however, is a mineral that needs to be balanced to be beneficial.

When taking zinc supplements for any reason, keep the following considerations in mind:

1. Do not take more than 100 mg of zinc per day. 50-100 mg daily boosts the immune system, but over that amount it has a reverse effect.
   
   
2. Zinc needs to be balanced with copper to be most beneficial. A 1 to 10 ratio should be maintained. For example, 5 mg of copper should be taken with 50 mg of zinc.
   
   
3. If you have had diarrhea or have been sweating excessively during a workout, you may need to increase your zinc intake to compensate for the loss.
   
   

There are a few symptoms of zinc deficiency that can be easily noticed. These include:

• Brittle, cracked fingernails with several white spots
  
  
• Acne
  
  
• Reduced sense of smell
  
  
• Lack of ability to taste food
  
  
• High cholesterol
  
  
• Impaired memory
  
  
• Impaired night vision
  
  
• Wounds that heal very slowly

If you have several of these symptoms and suspect a deficiency you can take a zinc supplement. Some supplements are combined with the amino acid, methionine, and are called zinc monomethioine. This formula is believed to provide antioxidant support along the same levels as vitamins C, E, and beta-carotine. Remember to not exceed the 100 mg/day recommendation or you will actually reverse the effect.

While zinc is not necessarily a mineral that directly prevents Alzheimer’s disease there is the common thread that those with AD have a zinc deficiency. Aside from its antioxidant properties which we know are beneficial in preventing AD, Zinc is a good way to boost the immune system and reduce the amyloid plaque build up in AD patients.

* Important notes: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.

It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using Zinc or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.