Zinc (and Copper) as an Antihistamine

Jason: How does zinc act as an antihistamine?

  1. By itself.
  2. DAO
  3. SOD
  4. Metallothioneins.

ChatGPT4 at Bing: Zinc is a mineral that supports your immune system and metabolism. It plays a role in wound healing and is also important to your senses of smell and taste. Zinc depletion is linked to histamine-related itching, mast cells releasing more histamine into the bloodstream, and a whole host of other conditions1. Studies have found that zinc can inhibit the release of histamine from our immune system. Zinc also plays a major role in storing histamine in the body. So, when there’s a zinc deficiency, the body releases more histamine into the surrounding tissues2. Zinc acetate can help soothe the skin, ease inflammation, and help with wound repair3. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before increasing zinc in your diet as there are risks from excessive zinc, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Zinc supplements also have the potential to interact with some medications including certain antibiotics and diuretics4.

Jason: When I was initially adjusting to taking more copper, such as 20 mg, I got sneezing fits, where I could not stop sneezing for a few minutes straight. I knew that zinc acted as an antihistamine, so I took some chewable zinc (25 mg) right away. Within mintues, I stopped sneezing. What can explain this relationship of zinc to copper? Do they work better together as antihistamines, and how can zinc work so quickly?

ChatGPT4 at Bing: Zinc and copper are two essential minerals that work together in the body. Zinc is known to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells, which can help bring histamine levels under control1. Copper is another cofactor of DAO (diamine oxidase), an enzyme that helps reduce histamine levels2. However, it is not often recommended to supplement with copper2. Zinc can draw down on copper levels, and copper is a co-factor for diamine oxidase production, the enzyme that clears extracellular histamine1. So, taking zinc can help balance copper levels and support the production of DAO.

Jason: Zinc and copper are also needed to make SOD and metallothioneins, right?

ChatGPT4 at Bing: Yes, you are correct! Zinc and copper are essential minerals that play a role in the production of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and metallothioneins. SOD is a master antioxidant and detoxer of hundreds of chemical toxins and plastics, and it is also a metallothionein1. Metallothioneins are a family of copper/zinc proteins that bind heavy metals1. They also increase longevity, fight diabetes, prevent neurodegeneration such as in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s1. Zinc functions as an antioxidant through the catalytic action of copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase, stabilization of membrane structure, protection of the protein sulfhydryl groups, and upregulation of the expression of metallothionein, which possesses a metal-binding capacity and also exhibits antioxidant functions2.

(Disclaimer, ChatGPT at bing, can see the internet (unlike openai’s chatgpt) and lists source number 1, referenced three times in the answer above, which is my well-sourced article here): https://revealingfraud.com/2022/12/health/copper-and-zinc-metallothioneins-for-detoxing-longevity/

Jason: Allergic reactions can be chronic, such as MCAS. Do doctors recommend people with chronic allergies take zinc?

ChatGPT4 at Bing: Zinc is a mineral that supports your immune system and metabolism. It plays a role in wound healing and is also important to your senses of smell and taste. Zinc depletion is linked to histamine-related itching, mast cells releasing more histamine into the bloodstream, and a whole host of other conditions1. A 2011 analysis of 62 studies concluded that deficiencies in a number of nutrients, including zinc, were associated with a higher occurrence of asthma and allergies2. However, the report also indicated a risk of bias since none of the studies were blinded or randomized2. While there are some indications that zinc could be a potential contributor to allergy relief, more clinical research is needed2. It is important to consult with your doctor before increasing zinc in your diet as there are risks from excessive zinc, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Zinc supplements also have the potential to interact with some medications including certain antibiotics and diuretics2.

Jason: I find your answer odd. You listed 4 ways zinc acts as an antihistamine, as follows: zinc lowers histamine by itself, and it is needed to make DAO, SOD, and metallothioneins. Why is more study needed before recommending zinc? Is moderate intake of zinc between 30-50 mg, with 10 mg of copper, harmful?

ChatGPT4 at Bing: Zinc is a mineral that supports your immune system and metabolism. It plays a role in wound healing and is also important to your senses of smell and taste. Zinc depletion is linked to histamine-related itching, mast cells releasing more histamine into the bloodstream, and a whole host of other conditions1. While there are some indications that zinc could be a potential contributor to allergy relief, more clinical research is needed2. The recommended daily amount of zinc is 8 milligrams (mg) for women and 11 mg for adult men2. The National Institutes of Health considers 40 mg of zinc a day to be the upper limit dose for adults2. When oral zinc is taken long term and in high doses it can cause copper deficiency. People with low copper levels might experience neurological issues, such as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs2. It is important to consult with your doctor before increasing zinc or copper in your diet as there are risks from excessive intake, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Zinc supplements also have the potential to interact with some medications including certain antibiotics and diuretics2