Zinc picolinate?

what is this type of zinc good for?, i have it but the bottle dont say much. It says to take it on an empty stomch but i also read on the net to take it with food?

while i'm on the subject of drugs, how can i balance my vitamin intake so that i'm not taking something too much that is harmful to my body. Is there a blood test i can take for this kind of thing?

please answer not only my question but share some useful info on this subject as well.
I smell a best answer coming along.

The total amount of zinc in the human adult has been estimated to be approximately 2 grams, of which more than 80% is found in bone, hair and skin, and as a component of many biological processes.



Interest in zinc nutrition was first shown in 1963, when a study on adolescent boys from the Nile Delta was shown to link low zinc intakes with dwarfism and delayed sexual maturation.



Zinc Picolinate


Zinc, when ingested, forms a complex with picolinic acid, which enhances the rate of absorption of zinc. The quantity of zinc absorbed is directly related to the availability of picolinic acid, which is synthesized from tryptophan. If this conversion is impaired, or there is a deficiency of vitamin B6, which is required for the conversion, then the result will be impaired zinc absorption. Therefore, providing zinc picolinate enables the body to bypass this stage, and leads to effective absorption.



The Benefits of Zinc


Acne 鈥?has been shown to be as effective as tetracycline, but may take three months before improvements are noticed.

Prostate enlargement 鈥?can reduce enlargement and alleviate adverse symptoms.

Wound healing 鈥?often used in creams to aid the healing of nappy rash, after burns and surgery.

Alcoholism 鈥?may help prevent cirrhosis of the liver.

Rheumatoid arthritis 鈥?can help alleviate pain and swelling.

Pregnancy 鈥?pregnant women may become deficient, and have an increased need during pregnancy.

Immune system 鈥?works with the antioxidant vitamins to protect the body from free radicals.



Properties


Cell division 鈥?for the synthesis of DNA, RNA and hence proteins manufactured within the body.

Growth and reproduction 鈥?essential for maturation of sex organs and the production of sperm and ova.

Toxic metal removal 鈥?removes elements such as lead.

Senses 鈥?maintains taste, smell and vision.

Insulin 鈥?involved in the release of insulin.

Metabolism 鈥?involved in absorption and metabolism of vitamin A.

Oil gland function 鈥?found within the skin, where about one fifth of the body鈥檚 zinc can be found.



Contra-indications/Precautions


None recorded but never exceed manufacturers recommended guidelines of daily intake of zinc.