zinc

[zingk]

a chemical element, atomic number 30, atomic weight 65.37, symbol Zn. (See Appendix 6.) It is a trace element in the diet, a component of several enzymes, including DNA and RNA polymerases and carbonic anhydrase. It is abundant in red meat, shellfish, liver, peas, lentils, beans, and rice. A well-balanced diet assures adequate intake of zinc. Those who may suffer from zinc deficiency include persons on a strictly vegetarian diet and those who are on a high-fiber diet. In the latter case, the zinc is bound to the fiber and is eliminated in the feces without having been absorbed through the intestinal wall. Poor absorption of zinc also can occur in persons with chronic and severe bowel disease. The recommended daily intake is 12–15 mg for an adult. A severe deficiency of zinc can retard growth in children, cause a low sperm count in adult males, and retard wound healing. Signs of a deficiency include anorexia and a diminished sense of taste. An excessive intake of zinc (usually in those who work with the metal or breathe its fumes) can either cause pneumoconiosis or interfere with the body's use of copper and other trace elements, producing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other signs of intestinal irritation.

zinc acetate a salt used as an astringent and styptic.

zinc chloride a salt used as a nutritional supplement in total parenteral nutrition and applied topically as an astringent and a desensitizer for dentin.

zinc oxide a topical astringent and skin protectant; also a sunscreen.

zinc stearate a powder of zinc in a compound with stearic and palmitic acids; used as a water-repellent skin protectant in dermatoses.

zinc sulfate a topical astringent for mucous membranes, especially those of the eye.

zinc undecylenate the zinc salt of undecylenic acid; it is a topical antifungal.

zinc ac·e·tate

an emetic, styptic, and astringent.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

zinc ac·e·tate

(zingk asĕ-tāt)

An emetic, styptic, and astringent.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

Since the effects of zinc acetate lozenges were consistent between the compared subgroups, the overall estimates for effect seem applicable over a wide range of common cold patients, according to researchers.

Zinc lozenges may help patients recover earlier from cold

(2mmol, 0.396g) of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and (lmmol, 0.220g) of Zinc acetate were weighed carefully into a mortar.

Mechanochemical synthesis and characterization of 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine metal complexes

Pooling the three high dose (>75 mg/day) zinc acetate trials gives a mean effect of 42% reduction in the duration of colds.

Zinc supplementation reduces the duration of a common cold

According to the company, Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is a topical analgesic and zinc acetate is a skin protectorant, both of which are in the OTC monograph and can be sold as creams in a combination.

Apricus Biosciences gets FDA's clearance for third OTC drug with NexACT technology

Furthermore, in the most recent trial on zinc acetate lozenges, there were no significant differences between the zinc and placebo groups in the occurrence of adverse effects although the daily dose of zinc was 92 mg.

Zinc lozenges may reduce duration of common colds by upto 40 percent

Three studies showed that daily doses of zinc acetate higher than 75 mg shortened colds by an average 42%.

ZINC supplements in high enough [...]

The consensus for stopping the common cold in its tracks - for adults - seems to suggest an upper limit of a cold remedy that provides in the realm of 40 mg of zinc acetate per day, for a maximum of five days.

ZAP IT WITH ZINC

Analytical grade chemicals such as zinc acetate ([C.sub.4][H.sub.6][O.sub.4]Zn.

Reflective properties of ZnS nanoparticle coatings

But Zicam Cold Remedy products, which use propriety formulations of zinc gluconate and zinc acetate as active ingredients, reduce the duration and severity of symptoms when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first sign of a cold.

Zicam

ABSTRACT : Two inorganic (zinc sulfate and zinc oxide) and three organic (zinc acetate, zinc-methionine, and zinc-lysine) zinc sources were evaluated for their effects on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks.

Improved broiler chick performance by dietary supplementation of organic zinc sources

Duration and severity of symptoms and levels of plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, and adhesion molecules in patients with common cold treated with zinc acetate. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008; 197(6): 795-802.

Zinc lozenges can reduce cold symptoms