Zinc

Abstract

The essential trace element zinc (Zn) has a large number of physiologic roles, in particular being required for growth and functioning of the immune system. Adaptive mechanisms enable the body to maintain normal total body Zn status over a wide range of intakes, but deficiency can occur because of reduced absorption or increased gastrointestinal losses. Deficiency impairs physiologic processes, leading to clinical consequences that include failure to thrive, skin rash, and impaired wound healing. Mild deficiency that is not clinically overt may still cause nonspecific consequences, such as susceptibility to infection and poor growth. The plasma Zn concentration has poor sensitivity and specificity as a test of deficiency. Consequently, diagnosis of deficiency requires a combination of clinical assessment and biochemical tests. Patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) are susceptible to Zn deficiency and its consequences. Nutrition support teams should have a strategy for assessing Zn status and optimizing this by appropriate supplementation. Nutrition guidelines recommend generous Zn provision from the start of PN. This review covers the physiology of Zn, the consequences of its deficiency, and the assessment of its status, before discussing its role in PN.

Vitamins C, D and Zinc: Synergistic Roles in Immune Function and Infections

“…Many of the alterations observed in zinc deficiency are considered to be important contributors to the increased susceptibility to infections, especially for children and the elderly. Already mild zinc deficiency has a negative impact on immune function, leading to recurrent infections that in turn are a cause of zinc deficiency due to zinc redistribution from plasma to intracellular sites and increased urinary losses [80]. In children, low concentrations of circulating zinc are associated with an increased risk of respiratory tract morbidity.…”

Fabrication and Characterizations of Hot-Melt Extruded Nanocomposites Based on Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate and Soluplus

“…Zinc (Zn) is one of dietary micronutrients and it is second highest trace element in the body [1]. Over 95% of Zn is located in the cells, but its dominant storage site is absent in the body [1].…”

“…Over 95% of Zn is located in the cells, but its dominant storage site is absent in the body [1]. There are three physiological roles of Zn: catalytic, structural, and regulatory activities [1].…”

“…Its absorption may be reduced by phytate, fiber, and iron, but improved by citric acid [3,4]. Homeostasis of Zn concentrations in cell and plasma is maintained by the regulation of absorption, excretion, and retention [1,5]. Deficiency of Zn may result in anorexia, dysgeusia, dysosmia, skin rash, infection, alopecia, growth failure, and impaired wound healing [1].…”

“…Homeostasis of Zn concentrations in cell and plasma is maintained by the regulation of absorption, excretion, and retention [1,5]. Deficiency of Zn may result in anorexia, dysgeusia, dysosmia, skin rash, infection, alopecia, growth failure, and impaired wound healing [1]. Therefore, adequate supplementation of Zn is very important to maintain normal physiological conditions.…”