Zinc Supplementation Found to Improve Vitamin A Status in Middle-Aged & Elderly.

Dietary zinc supplementation significantly increased plasma vitamin A levels proportional to zinc dosage and length of supplementation, according to a recent study published online in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition on July 11. Researchers randomly assigned 387 healthy middle-age (55–70 years) and elderly (70–85 years) men and women to groups to receive 15 mg or 30 mg zinc per day or placebo for six months. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a validated four day recall record. Fasting plasma retinol and tocopherol blood samples were simultaneously analyzed, as were red blood cell folate levels.Results showed plasma vitamin A levels significantly increased proportional to zinc dosage and length of supplementation, particularly at six months. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Additionally, zinc supplementation did not affect vitamin E / cholesterol ratio or red blood cell folate levels. Researchers concluded that long-term zinc supplementation benefits serum vitamin A levels but does not affect blood zinc concentration, plasma vitamin E or re3d blood cell folate status.L-OptiZinc is a unique, patented form of methionine-bound zinc.