Meta Information
ID:zinc
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/chelating-antibiotics
Target name:
Chelating Antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Quinolones)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
4
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Zinc ions bind to tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, forming non-absorbable complexes that significantly reduce the bioavailability and effectiveness of the antibiotic.
Actionable advice:
Separate doses of zinc and these specific antibiotics by at least 4 hours.
Target id:
/intervention/copper
Target name:
Copper
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Chronic high-dose zinc intake (over 50 mg/day) stimulates the production of metallothionein in intestinal cells, which binds strongly to dietary copper and prevents its absorption, leading to a risk of copper deficiency.
Actionable advice:
If taking high-dose zinc long-term, ensure adequate copper intake (e.g., 1-2 mg copper for every 15-30 mg zinc) or monitor copper levels.
Target id:
/class/iron-supplements
Target name:
Iron Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Zinc and non-heme iron compete for the same absorption pathways (like DMT1) in the small intestine, reducing the uptake of both minerals when taken together.
Actionable advice:
Separate zinc and iron supplement doses by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/class/calcium-supplements
Target name:
Calcium Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
High concentrations of supplemental calcium in the gut can interfere with zinc absorption pathways, reducing its bioavailability.
Actionable advice:
Separate high-dose calcium supplements (over 600mg) from zinc by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/dietary/phytate-rich-foods
Target name:
Phytate-Rich Foods (Grains, Legumes, Nuts)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Phytic acid, present in plant-based foods like whole grains and legumes, forms insoluble complexes with zinc, significantly reducing its absorption from a meal.
Actionable advice:
Take zinc supplements at least 2 hours away from meals high in phytates for optimal absorption.
Target id:
/dietary/calcium-rich-foods
Target name:
Dairy and Calcium-Fortified Foods
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Calcium and casein protein found in dairy products compete with or inhibit the intestinal absorption of zinc.
Actionable advice:
Separate zinc supplements from dairy products or calcium-fortified foods by at least 2 hours.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Food or Meal
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Zinc supplements, particularly zinc sulfate, can irritate the gastric lining when taken on an empty stomach, commonly causing nausea and stomach upset.
Actionable advice:
Take zinc with a meal to prevent stomach upset, preferably one low in phytates and calcium.
Target id:
/class/thiazide-diuretics
Target name:
Thiazide Diuretics
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Thiazide diuretics increase the amount of zinc lost through urine, which over long-term use can contribute to zinc depletion.
Actionable advice:
If taking thiazide diuretics long-term, monitor zinc status and consider supplementation if necessary.
Target id:
/dietary/alcohol-chronic
Target name:
Chronic Excessive Alcohol
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Chronic alcohol intake damages the intestinal lining, impairing zinc absorption, and also increases the amount of zinc lost in the urine.
Actionable advice:
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can lead to or worsen zinc deficiency over time.
Target id:
/intervention/penicillamine
Target name:
Penicillamine
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Zinc chelates with penicillamine in the gut, reducing its absorption and therapeutic effect for conditions like Wilson's disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Actionable advice:
Take zinc supplements at least 2 hours apart from penicillamine.
Target id:
/biomarker/zinc
Target name:
Zinc Blood Test
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
assay_interference
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
12
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Taking a zinc supplement shortly before a blood test will result in a transiently high reading that does not reflect your true, stable zinc status.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue zinc supplements for at least 12-24 hours before a blood test to measure baseline zinc levels.
Target id:
/class/ace-inhibitors
Target name:
ACE Inhibitors
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Long-term use of some ACE inhibitors may increase zinc excretion or interfere with its metabolism, potentially lowering zinc levels over time.
Actionable advice:
Be aware of potential zinc depletion with long-term ACE inhibitor use and consider monitoring levels.
Target id:
/dietary/high-fiber-meal
Target name:
High-Fiber Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
2
Description:
Dietary fiber can bind to zinc in the digestive tract, slightly reducing its overall absorption from a meal or supplement.
Actionable advice:
For optimal absorption, consider taking zinc supplements at least 2 hours away from very high-fiber meals.
Target id:
/class/immunosuppressants
Target name:
Immunosuppressant Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Zinc plays a key role in immune function and high-dose supplementation could theoretically stimulate the immune system, potentially counteracting the effects of immunosuppressant drugs.
Actionable advice:
Consult a healthcare provider before using high-dose zinc supplements while on immunosuppressive therapy.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin-a
Target name:
Vitamin A
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Zinc is a necessary cofactor for the enzyme that converts retinol (Vitamin A) to retinal, and for the synthesis of retinol-binding protein which transports Vitamin A in the blood.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate zinc status to support proper Vitamin A metabolism and function, particularly for vision and immunity.
Target id:
/class/antioxidant-supplements
Target name:
Antioxidant Supplements (Vitamins C & E, Carotenoids)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
In the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), zinc works synergistically with specific antioxidants to protect retinal cells from oxidative stress, as established by the AREDS2 study.
Actionable advice:
For slowing AMD progression, zinc is most effective when combined with specific antioxidants as per the AREDS2 formula.