Mrs. D: Question about Zinc supplements for people w/ bipolars
 

Dear Mrs. D,

I've read that Zinc can help people w/ bipolar.
At home I have Solgar 50 mgs Zinc Gluconate.
Is this a good dose to take every other day?

1. I am a little concerned about kidneys.

2. What is the connection between Zinc and Copper?

Thank you.
M.

Two things come to mind about Zinc and bipolar:

1) Depakote and other AEDs may reduce zinc in the body as a side effect. Hair falling out is one sign.

2) Some bipolar patients may in fact have pyroluria:

http://www.drkaslow.com/html/pyroluria.html
Mood swings, poor response to stress, anxiety, craving for alcohol or other drugs, may be a sign of this disorder.

Zinc Gluconate is okay. The best one though when yours is gone is OptiZinc. This is zinc monomethionine and thought to be better absorbed. Local stores often do not have it, but some health food stores do, like Whole Foods and others. It is very inexpensive and also available on iherb.com .

Zinc in general may upset the stomach. The common zinc sulfate is one example, and may even cause vomiting.

Zinc and copper exist in a ratio in the body depending on the concentrations of each. High zinc intake will suppress copper absorption and vice versa. The OptiZinc has some copper in it to avoid this problem.

Zinc along with selenium are both minerals needed to convert thyroid hormone T4 to active T3 in the tissues. If zinc is low this conversion is suppressed and low thyroid symptoms may occur.