Wilson’s Disease - Supplements

 
Wilson’s Disease
An excess of copper in the body can lead to a long list of health problems. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Try zinc

    Reduce dietary copper absorption by supplementing with zinc; consult your doctor to determine the correct amount to use

  • Steer clear of copper

    Work with a nutritionist to make sure you avoid eating foods that are high in copper

Also indexed as:
  • hepatolenticular degeneration,
  • Wilsons disease,
  • Wilson's disease

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Zinc
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner3 stars Supplementing with zinc may help reduce dietary copper absorption.


3 stars Zinc

Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner

Zinc is known for its ability to reduce copper absorption and has been used successfully in patients with Wilson’s disease,1 with some trials lasting for years years.2, 3 Researchers have called zinc a “remarkably effective and nontoxic therapy for Wilson’s disease.”4 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of zinc to treat Wilson’s disease for maintenance therapy following drug therapy, although some scientists recommend that it be considered for initial therapy as well.5

Zinc has also been used to keep normal copper levels from rising in people with Wilson’s disease who had previously been treated successfully with prescription drugs.6 Zinc (50 mg taken three times per day) has been used for such maintenance therapy,7 though some researchers have used the same amount of zinc to successfully treat people with Wilson’s disease who had not received drug therapy.8

Zinc is so effective in lessening the body’s burden of copper that a copper deficiency was reported in someone with Wilson’s disease who took too much (480 mg per day) zinc.9 Nonetheless, zinc may not help everyone with Wilson’s disease. Sometimes increased copper levels can occur in the liver after zinc supplementation;10 however, leading researchers believe this increase is temporary and may not be not harmful.11

Zinc supplementation (25 mg or 50 mg three times daily) has also been used to successfully treat pregnant women with Wilson’s disease.12 Management of Wilson’s disease with zinc should only be undertaken with the close supervision of a doctor.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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