Posted by Larry Hoover on June 6, 2006, at 12:49:58
In reply to Loss of Smell Zinc, and Hypothyroid, posted by llrrrpp on May 29, 2006, at 12:06:20
> Your information on the zinc deficiency sounds very interesting. I shall purchase some today and start taking it along with vitamin C as you suggest. Thank you for the research. Two other
>
> items in your email leave me with questions:
> 1) What kind ofhereditary problem with zinc do you refer to? How was this discovered? Symptoms? Lab tests (before and after treatment with
> zinc)? andI used to have little white patches on my nails. I used to have all kinds of prostate problems. I used to have loss of smell, and loss of taste. I inferred high zinc turnover, as intake did not restore me to stable zinc function. I have to keep taking a fairly high dose. If my smell starts to go, or my prostate acts up, it reminds me I'm falling behind *again*.
There is a pyrrhole that may bind zinc with high affinity, and pull it into urine. There is a known mechanism. I have never been tested.
> 2) The depression connection was not clear. Are you (or your friend) saying that a DEFICIENCY of zinc causes depression or that treatment of the loss of smell with INCREASED ZINC causes depression?
Zinc is a key electron transfer center in the enzyme for one of the neurotransmitter syntheses....dopamine, I think. Maybe all the "big three" neurotranmsitters. Zinc deficiency can cause depression, and/or loss of taste and smell. I.e. zinc supplementation may simultaneously restore taste and smell, and boost mood.
> [the former, right Lar?]
>
> I do, by the way, take a multivitamin tab daily along with calcium 500-1000 mg. daily, glucosamine/chondroitin, and Levoxyl. I've taken the latter most years since I was 18 to treat hypothyroidism, which is the most likely (biochemical) cause of my depression. Thyroid problems run in the family, by the way. Grandpa had to have nodules on his thyroid surgically
> removed.You may then also require T3. There is a thyroid thread on the main board, where I make the argument. I'll see if I can't find it. That board flips really fast.
> (My own MDD, unfortunately not likely due to thyroid problems, as I've always passed my tests with flying colors and have never noticed any symptoms)Asymptomatic is good.
> Thanks, and my mom thanks you too
> -llWelcome,
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:650089
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060601/msgs/653646.html