Zinc Orotate is a mineral salt found in the human body in trace amounts. Discovered by Dr. Hans Nieper, each molecule of zinc orotate is composed of two molecules of orotic acid and one zinc atom.
This innovative German doctor found that this particular form of zinc was more readily absorbed by the human body, and thus was more indicative for the treatment and prevention of disease. Nieper also showed that zinc orotate, when compared to zinc carbonates, chlorides and sulfates, provided increased bioavailability in the body.
Many of us are aware that zinc is an essential element for not only humans, but all living things. But what few of us are aware of is the fact that many forms of zinc supplementation are not absorbed within the cellular membrane.
Research shows that zinc orotate, which is essentially a chelated form of zinc, has the ability to enhance absorption through cellular membranes.
Research from Dr. Nieper has shown that zinc orotate, when compared to other forms of zinc, are more neutrally charged, a process that allows the zinc to pass seamlessly through the cell membrane. This allows the human body to receive the largest doses of zinc.
11 Health Benefits Of Zinc Orotates
- Strong antioxidant properties
These antioxidant properties aid in protecting the skin from harmful UV light. Orotates also act as one of the main components in the superoxide dismutase enzyme, one of the body’s antioxidants for neutralizing harmful toxins. [1] - Reduction in the risk of cancer
Studies show that zinc orotate, especially in combination with vitamin A, potentiates the development and number of T-lymphocytes in the body. Researchers at the University of Pécs discovered that orotates were present in a passive antitumor defense system that aided the body in cancer defense. [2] - Increases the ability to heal wounds
- Reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease
Zinc orotate improves the state of injured heart tissue, and may even prevent congestive heart failure. It also limits damage done to the heart when confronting interrupted blood flow. Zinc orotate also acts to better HDL/LDL ratios of cholesterol and may even decrease the likelihood of plaque formation in arteries. Orotates have also been shown to slow heart degeneration. [3, 4, 5, 6] - Reduction in many of the harmful side effects of radiation therapy
Zinc orotate has been shown to reduce anemia and impaired immunity in patients who have received radiation therapy, thus lowering the toxicity of these treatments.[7] - Reduction in harmful effects of alcohol consumption
Zinc orotate, in lab experiments on mice, was shown to protect the liver from large doses of alcohol. The orotates were able to neutralise free radicals in the liver tissues that had been harmed by the alcohol. [8] - Prevention and action against the Herpes simplex virus
Clinical studies show that patients experienced 57% fewer days of herpes while taking 316 mg/day of zinc orotate.[9] - Prevention of diabetic cardiomyopathy
A Tunisian study found that six months of zinc supplementation can reduce oxidative stress in diabetic patients by 15%. What is more, zinc orotate has the ability to modulate blood glucose levels, and has been shown to lower the need for insulin in diabetics. - Prevention of Osteoporosis
Research from the University of Liverpool found that dietary zinc supplements offered significant benefits to those suffering from with joint disorders. [10] Taking a calcium supplement is another great option for preventing osteoporosis - Reduction in chances of developing liver disease
Studies show that zinc orotate can aid patients suffering from liver disease. - Prevention and reduction in progression of macular degeneration
Large clinical trials found that zinc offered extremely beneficial effects against the progression of macular (retina) degeneration. [11]
I have been using and taking a zinc orotate supplement for years and I would recommend keeping some in your natural medicine cabinet. Most people are deficient in zinc and have weakened immune systems so it really is vital to supplement your diet with added zinc.
~Dr. G
January 25th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
I was just about to ask “What’s the difference between zinc orotate and other types of zinc” and then I saw your link at the bottom for different types of zinc. Thanks!
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