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Ethambutol effect on zinc and copper levels
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Jul 25 7:57am | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
My pulmo told me that Pseudomonas binds with Zinc. But in terms of practical application, I was not sure what that meant. Reading your post it sounds like binding to would mean you could be deficient in it? I do notice that taking Zinc now and then is one thing that helps me to feel better.
Replies to "My pulmo told me that Pseudomonas binds with Zinc. But in terms of practical application, I..."
No it's the opposite as far as I understand it: "P. aeruginosa has evolved a variety of zinc transport systems that enable it to thrive in zinc-deficient environments and during infection" So allegedly Zinc encourages pseudomonas (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8456098/
I think it's the same with Iron - pseudomonas eats iron too allegedly!
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irena@8, yes, it is confusing. Both zinc and copper play parts in body processes. From what I have read, many people supplement with zinc for respiratory infections, and they may unknowingly create an imbalance with copper. Your body needs both. Since the Azithromycin also affects at least zinc, I wonder if doctors can check patient levels of both metals and monitor them when these MAC drugs are taken. Maybe the hearing and vision side effects could be minimized?
Since many patients on these drugs experience some degree of GI upset, they may also not be absorbing the nutrients in the foods they eat as well. Just telling patients to eat more to help fight the MAC and maintain strength is not enough, especially since these drugs must be taken for such a long time.
I looked on my multivitamin, which is taken twice daily in divided doses. It does not have copper. I googled good food sources of copper to see if I eat enough of those. You might also consider doing that with both minerals and try to adjust your diet. Supplements might be easier for some people. I wish that the doctors had nutritionists they they refer to.