13 Supplements often reduce the number of infections acquired by AIDS patients. 14 Zinc has potential in the treatment of hypoglycemia . 15 Zinc supplements appear to increase immune response . 16 Taking zinc lozenges when a cold starts often shortens the duration and severity of the infection. It is unclear whether zinc also acts to prevent infection.
Zinc deficiency can cause low testosterone levels.
17 Zinc supplementation can raise testosterone levels and help increase fertility. It also appears to increase sperm count in men who previously had low sperm count numbers. 19 Zinc is needed by the retina to create enzymes needed for vision. 80 mg of zinc daily may decrease vision loss rate in patients with macular degeneration . 20 Zinc, taken in dosage up to 150 mg daily, is also helpful in treating and healing peptic ulcers.