Low zinc status has been linked to a higher risk and faster progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in part because zinc is concentrated in the retina and supports antioxidant defenses there. In the landmark AREDS trial, a supplement formula containing zinc (80 mg as zinc oxide), along with antioxidants, reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD by about 25% in people with intermediate disease or advanced disease in one eye over roughly 5 years. Other research has shown that inadequate zinc intake is more common in older adults with AMD, reinforcing the idea that maintaining healthy zinc levels may be an important, and often overlooked, strategy for preserving macular health with age. This medication is commonly used for Hypertension.
Smailhodzic D, van Asten F, Blom AM, Mohlin FC, den Hollander AI, van de Ven JPH, et al. (2014) Zinc Supplementation Inhibits Complement Activation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. PLoS ONE 9(11): e112682. Lengyel D, Török B. Erworbene vorübergehende Nachtblindheit bei Vitamin-A- und Zinkmangel bei Anorexia nervosa neun Jahre nach Nierentransplantation [Acquired temporary night blindness in vitamin A and zinc deficiency in anorexia nervosa nine years after kidney transplantation]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2006 May;223(5):453-5. German.Blasiak J, Pawlowska E, Chojnacki J, Szczepanska J, Chojnacki C, Kaarniranta K. Zinc and Autophagy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 15;21(14):4994. Benjamin P. Nicholson, et al. Chapter 37 - Zinc Deficiency and the Eye. Handbook of Nutrition, Diet and the Eye 2014, Pages 371-376.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Research suggests a link between ACE inhibitor use and insufficient zinc levels. Studies have found that patients taking ACE inhibitors exhibit higher levels of zinc in their urine and lower levels in their blood serum. This indicates that the medication may increase zinc excretion from the body, potentially leading to a deficiency. Individuals taking ACE inhibitors should be aware of this potential risk and consider zinc supplementation.