The role of zinc in the human body

Zinc: an essential trace element with important antioxidant properties.

The following are a list of properties for the trace element zinc:

• Normalizes the exchange of protein, carbohydrate, and phosphoric substances
• Regulates the activity of the reproductive system
• Contributes to the quick healing of the wounds
• Contributes to body growth.
• Improves taste and smell perception.

Zinc acts as a street traffic controller; it directs and controls many important processes in the body by maintaining the appropriate state of enzymes in the organs and cells. Zinc is one of the most important trace elements necessary for the synthesis of proteins, DNA formation, and the replication of the genetic material which is transferred during cell division and cell growth. It acts as a cofactor in many important biochemical reactions in the organism. Zinc also plays a role in the process of blood formation; it helps maintain proper function of the immune system and endocrine glands. Zinc is also necessary for the synthesis of insulin which is also known as the pancreas hormone, and for maintaining the acid-base balance and homeostasis in the organism. Zinc is necessary for the normal development and functioning of the reproductive organs. Zinc is found in large quantities in the human organism especially in the skin (predominantly in the epidermis), the hair, the muscles, the bone and liver tissue, and the prostate. Zinc is an important coenzyme that participates in many biochemical reactions. Zinc is necessary for the proper function of over 80 different enzymes and the formation of erythrocytes (red blood cells). Zinc actively participates in skin regeneration and contributes to the treatment of skin inflammations and irritations, especially those common to teens as they undergo puberty.

Low levels of zinc slow down growth and reduce appetite in children.

Zinc Deficiency

Symptoms of zinc deficiency can appear at a young age, or can arise at any moment during one’s life. The loss of taste is the first sign of a zinc deficiency.

Zinc deficiency is:

• one of the numerous reasons for fatigue, tiredness, and loss of appetite;
• the basic reason for the loss of smell and taste sensations;
• also evidenced by the appearance of white spots on the nails;
• one of the possible reasons for hyper-activity in children;
• one of the probable reasons for infant retinal disorders

Since zinc is part of the enzymes that participate in the synthesis of sexual hormones, a zinc deficiency can lead to the defective development of the sexual system during teenage years. In turn, this may lead to a number of hormonal disorders in young girls such as the dysfunction of the ovaries, delayed onset of the menstrual cycle and underdevelopment of the uterus. Zinc deficiency in young boys leads to signs of infantilism, a badly developed prostate gland, and the underdevelopment of the testicles. The prostate contains ten times more zinc than any another organ.

Zinc deficiency in men leads to:

• reduction in the secretory function of the testicles
• erection dysfunction
• loss of libido
• prostate hypertrophy.

Zinc Antagonists

Dairy products decrease the absorption of zinc by the body, while alcohol and caffeine intensely excrete it from the body. Blood-level concentrations of zinc are also reduced by the internal administration of oral contraceptives. Cortisone and prednisone (which are part of the corticosteroids), medications often prescribed by doctors for a number of different diseases, such as arthritis, bronchial asthma, etc., also reduce levels of zinc.

If you decide to add zinc into your daily allowance, make sure that you obtain sufficient amounts of vitamin A, iron and copper. The excessive intake of zinc can lead to a loss of these vitamins. Large doses of zinc can also lead to the development of iron-deficiency anemia.