1 reply to this topic

[alpha2A]

Hi all,

 

I'm having a fantastic response to zinc.  Maybe it's not exactly dramatic, but it is remarkable.  I've tried so many drugs and supplements, and almost everything has been a disappointment.  So I wasn't expecting anything from zinc.

 

I had struggled to learn some (elements of) Spanish, for weeks and months (though of course not full-time).  In only days after starting zinc, I've memorised all the parts I had struggled with.

 

I started small, with only a 15 mg dose.  I kept titrating the dose upwards, to achieve an effect, or confirm that it's a failure like most things I've tried.

 

I noticed I could concentrate in a way I haven't for a long long time.  I have ADHD, so I searched the Net for information about the use of zinc in this disorder.  I found out that positive results have been reported; zinc improved symptoms and reduced the optimal dose of amphetamine.  That was before I noticed the effects on memory.

 

Soon enough, the effect on concentration seemed to dissipate, but I still enjoyed beneficial effects on memory.  So I kept increasing the dose to recapture (successfully at first), the effect on concentration -- that's what I meant by "chasing the dragon".  I consulted the Merck Manual about zinc deficiency, and it suggested up to 3 mg/kg per day until symptoms resolve.  The peak of that for me is about 225 mg. Today (14 Dec 2025), I hit 5 mg/kg (400 mg).

 

I think I have (or had) zinc deficiency, probably in connection with copper overload.  But with continued zinc supplementation, I expect that sooner or later I'll reach the opposite condition, that is zinc toxicity and copper deficiency.

 

So I'm wondering if there are any obvious signs to indicate that I've had enough, and ideally, reached the optimal copper-zinc balance?

 

-alpha2A

[pamojja]

I consulted the Merck Manual about zinc deficiency, and it suggested up to 3 mg/kg per day until symptoms resolve.  The peak of that for me is about 225 mg. Today (14 Dec 2025), I hit 5 mg/kg (400 mg).

So I'm wondering if there are any obvious signs to indicate that I've had enough, and ideally, reached the optimal copper-zinc balance?

 

Your risk of being slaughtered by the zinc dragon. If the Merck Manual talks about maximum doses of zinc in deficiency, it certainly does so in the context of through regular blood-test ascertained zinc deficiency. With such high doses, it's important to continually monitor zinc and copper blood levels.

 

I, too, made the mistake of following the often heard advice, and 'balanced' high zinc intake with at least 1 mg of copper for each 15 mg of zinc, without monitoring copper at the same time. Copper overshoot, and it wasn't possible to correct with restricting copper yet.

 

Supplementing blindly might very fast create an imbalance, only difficult to correct for a long time after. Do test blood zinc and copper, don't guess and supplement such really high doses blindly. For most, 70 mg/d for some time will already correct a real zinc deficiency. 400 mg/d zinc without testing blood zinc is irresponsible.

 

Edited by pamojja, Today, 11:40 AM.