Effects of zinc deficiency on immune functions

Zinc and immune function

“…A mild zinc deficiency results in decreases in serum thymulin activity (corrected by in vitro and in vivo zinc supplementation), T naive cell recruitment, T cytolytic cell percentage and NK cell lytic activity (Prasad, 2000). In addition, in this experimental human model, the production of IL-2 and IFNg is decreased, whereas the production of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 is not affected.…”

“…For instance, it has been demonstrated that the production or the biological activity of IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-g and TNF-a are affected by zinc deficiency. In addition, and as mentioned above, zinc deficiency in humans affects the cytokine production of TH1 cells leading to an imbalance between TH1 and TH2 cells (Prasad, 2000).…”

Zinc status and age-related changes in peripheral blood leukocyte subpopulations in healthy men and women aged 55–70 y: the ZENITH study

“…The effects of zinc deficiency on immune function have been reasonably well documented, with substantial effects reported on CMI (Shankar & Prasad, 1998;Fraker et al, 2000;Rink & Gabriel, 2000;Rink & Gabriel, 2001;Ibs & Rink, 2003). Zinc deficiency also results in depressed innate immunity (Keen & Gershwin, 1990;Prasad, 2000;Dardenne, 2002). It is unclear, however, at what point suboptimal zinc status may become deleterious to immune function and consequently health.…”

Importance of zinc in the elderly: the ZENITH study

“…Zn is also a major intracellular regulator of lymphocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo (Ibs & Rink, 2003). Secretion and function of cytokines, the basic messenger of the immune system are also adversely affected by Zn deficiency (Prasad, 2000). On the other hand, impaired immune function in elderly subjects due to Zn deficiency has been shown to be reversed by an adequate Zn supplementation (Prasad et al, 1993;Girondon et al, 1999).…”