Zinc: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:30, 10 July 2005

Revision as of 08:30, 13 July 2005

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== Biological role ==

Zinc is an essential element, necessary for sustaining all life, including plants, bacteria, and all animals including man. It is estimated that 3000 of the 100,000 or so proteins involved in human life are zinc-containing proteins. Deficiencies of zinc produce hair loss, skin lesions, wasting of body tissues, and, eventually, death.However, adults eating enough red meat and a varied diet will only very rearely be zinc deficiency. Many cells secrete zinc, including the pancrease (also secreting insulin) the salivary gland, and the prostate gland. Immune cells also secrete zinc. No one knows why zinc is secreted by these cells.

Zinc is an essential element in human beings, necessary for sustaining life. Deficiencies of zinc have marked effects on weight gain in animals. Zinc is found in [[insulin]], [[zinc finger]] proteins, and such enzymes as [[superoxide dismutase]].

Zinc nutriture in pregnancy and in young children is a very real problem, especially among those who cannot afford a good supply of meat and a varied diet. Brain develepment is stunted by zinc insufficiency in utero and in youth. and nursing in doubt should have their zinc status checked, or take a supplement.

According to some sources, taking zinc tablets may provide some immunity against [[common cold|colds]] and [[influenza|flu]], although this is disputed.

According to some sources, taking zinc tablets may provide some immunity against [[common cold|colds]] and [[influenza|flu]], although this is disputed. The basic biology is that the immune system will definately be impaired in zinc deficiency and will then definitely respond to supplementation. The direct effect of zinc (as in lozenges) on bacteria and viruses is also well-established, and has been capitalized upon since at leats 2000 BC, from which time zinc salts in paliative salves are documented. However, exactly how to deliver zinc salts against pathogens (germs)without injuring your own tissues is still being investigated.

Eyesight, taste, smell and memory are also connected with zinc and a deficiency in zinc can cause malfunctions of these organs and functions.

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Natural food sources of zinc include oysters, red meat and poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, pumpkin seed or sunflower seeds.

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== Abundance ==