By Pavan Kaushik
Zinc may be helpful in patients with low T3 and may contribute to conversion of T4 to T3. In animal studies, Zinc deficiency lowered T3 and free T4 concentrations by approximately 30%. Levels of total T4 were not affected by Zinc deficiency. In a group of patients with low levels of free T3 and normal T4, but elevated rT3 and mild to moderate Zn deficiency, taking oral Zinc supplements for 12 months, normalized the serum free T3 and total T3 levels, decreased the rT3 and normalized TSH levels.
Potential Risks of Excessive Zinc Intake
On the other hand, like iodine, too much Zinc may suppress thyroid function. Very high doses of Zinc interfere with copper absorption and can lead to serious and potentially fatal copper deficiency. Thus it is advised to take copper when supplementing with Zinc.
Hindustan Zinc is India’s only and the world’s second largest integrated Zinc producer, proudly known as Zinc of India.
About the author
Pavan Kaushik heads Corporate Communications at Hindustan Zinc Limited
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