Increased Botox Longevity With A Zinc Supplement

Botox & Zinc? Does Zinc make Botox last longer?

An American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery news brief has reported that a Houston oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Charles Soparkar, has come up with a way to make Botox (and presumably all botulinum toxin neuromodulators) more effective and last longer. In a modified double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study and a subsequently completed formal study, the duration of effect was increased by 30% in over 90% of the patients studied. The study included both cosmetic and medical indications (blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm).

The theory goes like this: Botulinim toxin is very dependent upon zinc for effectiveness. Unfortunately, 50% of the US population is zinc deficient. Apparently, dietary zinc can be poorly absorbed due to binding elements found in many foods called phytates. Dr. Soparkar’s group posited that adding zinc to the diet of patients having a weak response or short duration of effect to botulinum toxin may be beneficial. Additionally, a phytate munching phytase enzyme was added to increase zinc bioavailability.

The result is a prescription medication called Zytaze. Each capsule contains 25mg of highly bioavailable zinc citrate and 1500 mg of Phytase. Patients take 2 caps daily for four days prior to AND on the day of injection. The drug is supplied in a 10 cap pack and cost $60 - $80. The result has been less frequent and decreased amounts of toxin needed and potential patient savings. (However, does the cost of the drug nullify these advantages?) This is great news for patients and a potential niche offering in the commoditized botulinum marketplace. Maybe not so great for practices depending on a high turnover of renewable products and services. 

Who else has experience with Zytaze?  

Zinc & Phytase As Botox Supplements?

In one of the emails I received today I was asked about an article in which Dr. Charles Soparkar claims that using Zinc and Phytase as Botox 'suppliments' increase how long Botox treaments last.

Evidently, Dr. Soparkars findings shows this combination improves the results of Botox injections when taken four days before treatment.

Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Charles Soparkar found that 41 of the 44 patients to whom he gave the zinc and phytase pairing displayed a better outcome. This was especially noticeable in those suffering from blepharospasm, a form of eyelid twitching.

As a result of his findings, Dr. Soparkar plans to market a dietary supplement combining the element and enzyme, which will be called Zytaze.

"Surprisingly, the results showed that in over ninety percent of the patients studied, the zinc/phytase combination resulted in a remarkable improved responsiveness ... using the same amount of botulinum toxin as previously used," Dr. Soparkar explained. "The toxins seemed to have greater effect and last longer. Potentially, this could mean using less toxin, offering patients financial savings, greater safety, and more consistent results."

Always makes me a little leary when a new study gives someone the idea to create a product offering exactly what the study promotes.

Has anyone else heard of this? Anyone already promoting this for their Botox treatments?