I was tested as a yound boy 2-5years oldish, can’t remember and the doctors told me I lacked zinc. But also that I needed to take in over 100% of my DV because my body had a hard time holding on to zinc. For the most part I take a multi-v everyday and thats 100% zinc, but I do have Zinc only from puritans pride supplments, 333%. Now I’m reading if you take ZMA with calcium it negates it, is this just the magnesium or the zinc as well? Because every morning is hwen I take my multi-v and sometimes other supplements, and I take it with a breakfest shake, containing Milk and whey.
Thank you.
I believe calcium is taken up slowly by the body and therefore blocks the absorption of all minerals, which would include zinc. However, there are other people who might know it better, I’m not quite sure.
If I remember correctly, you should take ZMA about half an hour before you go to bed.
I don’t take ZMA, I’m refering to ZINC strictly.
Thank you.
[quote]Uncle Fester wrote:
If I remember correctly, you should take ZMA about half an hour before you go to bed.[/quote]
That’s what they suggest, and on an empty stomach. However, I have been taking it for a little over a month now, and I think that the important part is just that the minerals absorb. Which means, taking them about 30-40 minutes before eating any pre-bed meal, and ideally a couple hours after your 2nd to last meal.
It may not be quite as effective when taken that way, but, it will still ‘work’. It’s just a mineral supplement, afterall. The only purpose in taking it 30-40 minutes before bed on an empty stomach is so that it’s absorbed optimally, which will only improve the effectiveness, but playing with it a little won’t necessarily destroy the effectiveness either.
Heck, ZMA is a touchy supplement to begin with, I can definitely say it’s helped with my sleep, which is great because I have sleep issues, and maximizing the potential of what hours I do get in is wonderful.
However, the whole concept behind ZMA stems from the assumption that you are deficient in Zinc and Magnesium(since many athletes are), but if you aren’t, then ZMA is unlikely to do anything for you at all.
Here’s the answer to your question: Calcium competes with magnesium, copper, zinc and manganese for intestinal absorption (Somer, 1995).
So yes, it is ideal to take your zinc supplements about an hour before your next meal for best absorption.