International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 650
Food additives Europe numbers: E650
Zinc acetate is a chemical compound used as a dietary supplement and as a medication. It is a salt composed of zinc and acetic acid, and it is available in both oral and topical forms. As a dietary supplement, zinc acetate is used to prevent and treat zinc deficiencies. It may also be used to treat Wilson's disease, a rare inherited disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body. As a topical medication, zinc acetate is used to treat skin conditions such as acne, cold sores, and psoriasis.
Zinc acetate is a substance that combines zinc, an essential mineral, with acetic acid, commonly known as vinegar. It has various applications, including medical uses:
Medical Uses:
- Treatment for Wilson's Disease: This is the primary medicinal use of zinc acetate. Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder causing excess copper buildup in the body, particularly in the liver and brain. Zinc acetate helps manage this condition by:
- Inducing the production of a protein in the intestines that binds copper, preventing its absorption from food.
- Promoting copper excretion through urine.
- Nutritional Supplement: In some cases, zinc acetate might be used as a dietary supplement to address zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency can occur due to inadequate dietary intake, certain medical conditions, or chronic illnesses.
Other Uses:
- Astringent: In low concentrations, zinc acetate has astringent properties. Astringents cause tissues to contract and can help dry out minor cuts or wounds.
- Antimicrobial Effects: Zinc acetate might possess mild antibacterial properties similar to zinc sulfate.
Administration:
- Zinc acetate is typically administered orally in capsule form.
- For Wilson's disease treatment, it's usually taken three times a day on an empty stomach (at least an hour before or two hours after meals) to optimize copper absorption reduction.