Zinc, copper and psoriasis

[Eveloftus]

I am looking for info on zinc, copper and how they relate to psoriasis.

I found that zinc serum levels are lower in people with psoriasis, and the more extensive the psoriasis, the lower the zinc level. But this does not necessarily mean that taking zinc supplements would improve the psoriasis. I found only one article that said it could be beneficial for psoriatic arthritis, but the sample size was small:

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As for copper, I found that skin level of it is increased in psoriatics, and some evidence that copper cream can help psoriasis (although I can't find this reference)

Anybody has info on this topic?

[Eveloftus]

There is also this study on effectiveness of oral zinc sulphate on psoriasis: (with or without methotrexate). The dose of zinc sulphate was 220mg twice daily and on its own it produced a good response in 60% of the patients:

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[Eveloftus]

And then there is this study on the effectiveness of 2.5 % zinc sulphate cream: about 50 % of the psoriatic patients had a good response:


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[Lazza]

I took zinc/copper for a couple of months since I felt my diet was low in zinc.  It did nothing for my psoriasis.  Worse, zinc is awful on the stomach.  I always felt very nausea for a few minutes after taking zinc.


_Lazza

[Eveloftus]

Thanks, Lazza, too bad about the nausea with zinc oral supplements. Maybe the cream is worth a try.

[Vladex]

I have read up a lot on copper toxicity and the importance of zinc and certainly it's a compelling case. Zinc is so important especially for men and is the main anti oxidant for the brain. There is a lot to it on the internet

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Zinc is tough on a stomach because it's alkalizing but you need to take it with acidic food to balance it out

[Eveloftus]

Thanks a lot Vladex for the helpful links! One thing I am not sure of is if one takes zinc supplements, does one have to  supplement with copper too.

[TCNZ]

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Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are associated with higher serum copper levels and lower tissue copper levels than normal. Copper complexes have lower toxicity and stronger anti -inflammatory activity than their parent compounds. This means, for instance, copper salicylates has much stronger anti-inflammatory effects than either common copper compounds or salicylic acid or for that matter other anti-inflammatory drugs.  
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Copper: The Maligned Mineral

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[Lazza]

I have read that one needs to take copper if taking zinc supplements, to a ratio of 1:10.  For example, take 2 mg of copper if you take 20m mg of zinc.


_Lazza

[Eveloftus]

Thanks Lazza and TCNZ!