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Zinc Gluconate vs. Zinc Actetate (Galzin)

sonny
0 Recommendations

I've been on Galzin since I was diagnosed in 1999 and doing great. I recently moved over seas and Galzin is not available (at least that's what they're telling me). The local doctor prescribed Zinc Gluconate and said it will be just as effective as Zinc Actetate for preventative copper absorption

My concern is the Zinc Gluconate is actually an over-the-counter supplement (GNC product), therefore not under the stringent requirements of the FDA and may not always carry the claimed zinc content.

Is there anyone that's had experience taking Zinc Gluconate for copper maintenance?

11 replies

mgraper1

Sonny
Depending where you live overseas Galzin is available as Wilzin, distributed by Orphan Europe. Otherwise, many have used zinc gluconate with success. If you try it just make sure you have frequent monitoring done to ensure its effectiveness.

Mary G.
WDA

sonny

Mary,

Thanks for the response. I just took a job in Saudi Arabia. All my medical and medications are paid for by the company and I just arrived, so I haven't pushed to hard on getting the Galzin/Wilzin but may.

I'll give the gluconate a try and plan on having a 24/hr urine done after being on it for 6 months or so to make sure its doing the job. The gluconate comes in 30mg tablets - the doctor presribed 5 tablets per day (150mg/daily - same as I was taking for Galzin).

Do you think there is any harm to take an extra tablet per day for good measure (6 tablets)?

Thanks,
Sonny

RajeshKumar

Hi Sonny,
I think it is possible for you to get Wilzin In Saudi Arabia through Orphan Europe ofiice in Dubai.Having lived in Dubai for many years I still get my medicine from there though I am in India now.I am sending you their email address just get in touch with them.
The person to contact is: Ms. Feurella Hordista,
mesupport@orphan-europe.com
Good luck,
Rajesh.

mgraper1

I cannot answer whether taking 6 would be appropriate. Although, if you do decide to use OTC zinc, if it were me I would want follow up monitoring sooner than 6 months.
Alternately, if you think you would feel more comfortable using Wilzin, here is the contact e-mail to inquire: info@orphan-europe.com
The most current info I have says that they will supply to Saudi.

Mary

coppa_keepa

Hey,
Zinc Gluconate is what I have been taking for 17 years.
50mg 3x a day.

In the beginning 300-400mg a day, then when everything became stable 150mg a day. It works great, I'm still here :-)

Here in Canada, they seem to measure it out pretty accurately from what I can tell. For instance while it says 50mg on the front it specifies on the side:
Zinc Gluconate 350mg (providing 50mg of elemental zinc). Someone has obviously tested and assessed that ratio.

As fo how much to take your doctor is the best to decide that with you, while testing blood/urinary copper to see effectiveness, I don't know your medical history. Like I mentioned above, 150mg a day is working fine for ME now that everything is stable. Before that I needed more.

garypop

My wife takes Now foods zinc picollinate with good results and good 24 hr urine levels of zinc . She tolerates it well . very inexpensive and good quality of elemental zinc.

gary

McVeggie

hi garypop,

foods zinc picollinate? foods containing zinc picollinate? or that's the full name?

garypop

Zinc Picolinate 50mg 120 Caps, NOW Foods


From: NOW Foods

Item Code: NW-ZINC-1552

Regular Price: $11.99

Our Price: $7.64

McVeggie

oh cool thanks how does she take it? empty stomache as well? my doctor has increase my Galzin to 50 mg doseage, yesterday morning I took it without a small piece of lunchmeat. Boy! did I felt it right away. I was vomiting acid out.

jeanne4

I take the zinc picolinate from "NOW" brand, too. Have been on it for quite a few months and feeling well and lab results are very good. Whenever you start a new zinc formula, though, you should get tested in 6 wks, just to make sure all is well (at least that's what Dr. Schilsky had me doing). I've also been on the GNC zinc gluconate. It's fine, too-- don't worry. The 150 mg/day, divided up in 3 doses, will work well; no need to take more. I just like the NOW picolinate better.

jeanne4

Yes--take it on an empty stomach. But I found Galzin to be much harder on the stomach than either Nature's Plus, GNC or Now.

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