Zinc and Mesothelioma - How Zinc affect Mesothelioma Patient

Zinc is a naturally occurring, essential mineral that plays key roles in building DNA and RNA, cell metabolism and in regulating the immune system. It is required for the healing of wounds, and in the senses of smelling and tasting. Zinc also comes under other names, such as zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc sulfate, and zinc picolinate, though these forms are slightly different in composition. Zinc is claimed to be a strong antioxidant, which blocks free radical cells in the blood system, by its strongest supporters. Zinc is found naturally in foods like eggs, cheese, legumes, seafood, meats, grains and nuts.

The adult recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 11 milligrams for men or pregnant women, 12 milligrams for breast-feeding women and 8 milligrams for the average woman. However, the FDA states that the average person should not take in more than 40 milligrams in one day. There are plenty of zinc supplements and products on the market, ranging from zinc tablets, capsules, lozenges, nasal sprays, liquid zinc, and zinc gel and spray, which accelerate healing on the skin.

This mineral has been found in metal alloys since 1400 BC. In 1300, metallic zinc was produced in India and in 1500 it was first recognized as an element. In the 1700s Germany built factories in order to produce zinc, though medical research on its bodily effects did not begin until the 1970s. Researchers have found that low levels of zinc do relate to different diseases, including cancer, but no definite studies have been conducted to medically prove it. It’s difficult for scientists to determine whether those low levels of zinc were a result or cause of the cancer.

In 2004, a study was conducted for seven years on 13,000 French adults, who either took a placebo or a vitamin combination of vitamins E & C, selenium, beta-carotene and zinc. This study did show a reduced rate of cancer risk, but it is not sure what role zinc played. In addition, studies show that zinc has positive effects on people with sickle cell anemia.
Zinc Sideeffects: Overdoses of zinc are very rare, but people who take 300 – 450 milligrams per day show serious complications, such as a slight risk of developing prostate cancer, kidney failure, vomiting, headaches and extreme fatigue. Patients are cautioned to always consult with a doctor, especially when pregnant, before taking any supplements or sprays.

Though necessary for normal body functioning and a possible cancer inhibitor, too little scientific evidence exists as to whether this element represents an effective mesothelioma treatment in itself. Although tests have confirmed patients taking compounds which include zinc do reduce cancer rates, the mineral’s uncertain role makes it impossible to determine its value. Although several patients have seen positive results from adopting diets rich in essential vitamins and nutrients like zinc, all mesothelioma sufferers are encouraged to consult a medical professional firsthand.  

Reference: The American Cancer Society