Zinc
Feb 17, 2025
Zinc
Zinc is the second most abundant trace metal in the human body after iron. It is an essential part of protein structure and function, as it comprises -750 zinc-finger transcription factors for gene transcription and 2000 enzymes.
Therefore, cellular processes of the human body essential in growth and development rely on zinc. There is little free zinc circulating throughout the human body. Most zinc remains bound to proteins, such as albumin the serum and metallothionein intracellularly.
Zinc also plays a role as an antiviral agent and can be used to increase immunity in those with zinc deficiency and can be used to inhibit viral replication.
Reduced dietary zinc intake increased. Alcohol intake and ingestion of dietary phytate (a natural chelator of zinc in corn, rice, and cereals) may lead to zinc deficiency.
Elderly individuals are more susceptible to zinc deficiency, contributing to their increased likelihood of acquiring viral infection. Zinc deficiency may also lead to type 1 diabetes, autoimmune disease, growth retardation, taste disturbances, and skin disorders.
Polaprezinc is a common supplement consisting of zinc and L-carnosine dosed at 34 mg/150 g zinc. Zinc toxicity may be acute or chronic in presentation.
Toxicity will present as epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. There may also be copper deficiency, altered iron function, impaired immune response, and decreased serum cholesterol with zinc toxicity.
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