Study summary · research use only
Zinc: an overview
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review discusses zinc (Zn) in human health. The abstract reports that Zn deficiency is widespread worldwide and more prevalent where populations subsist on cereal proteins, and that conditioned deficiency occurs in many disease states. Described effects of deficiency include growth failure, lack of gonadal development in males, skin changes, poor appetite, mental lethargy, delayed wound healing, neurosensory disorders, and cell-mediated immune disorders; severe deficiency as in acrodermatitis enteropathica is described as fatal without Zn. Assays in granulocytes and lymphocytes are noted as better diagnostic criteria than plasma Zn. Approximately 300 enzymes are stated to require Zn. The review also notes Zn roles in DNA synthesis, cell division, thymulin activity, and lymphocyte function. The abstract was truncated at 250 words.
Abstract
Zn deficiency in humans is widespread throughout the world. It is more prevalent in areas where the population subsists on cereal proteins. Conditioned Zn deficiency is seen in many disease states. Its deficiency during growth periods results in growth failure and lack of gonadal development in males. Other effects of Zn deficiency include skin changes, poor appetite, mental lethargy, delayed wound healing, neurosensory disorders, and cell-mediated immune disorders. Severe Zn deficiency, as seen in acrodermatitis enteropathica (a genetic disorder), is fatal if Zn is not administered to these patients. A clinical diagnosis of marginal Zn deficiency in humans remains problematic. Assays of Zn in granulocytes and lymphocytes provide better diagnostic criteria for marginal Zn deficiency than plasma Zn. Approximately 300 enzymes are known to require Zn for their activities. Zn is required for DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein synthesis. Recently, we learned that Zn-finger proteins are involved in genetic expression of various growth factors and steroid receptors. We suspect that several hundred Zn-containing nucleoproteins are probably involved in gene expression of various proteins. Zn deficiency adversely affects lymphocyte proliferation. This may be related to the enzymatic role of Zn in DNA synthesis and cell division. Thymulin, a thymic hormone involved in T-lymphocyte maturation, is known to be Zn dependent and is adversely affected by Zn deficiency. Thus, an adverse effect of Zn deficiency may also be in lymphocyte differentiation and maturity. Zn deficiency is known to decrease interleukin 2 production by helper T lymphocytes, and abnormalities in T-lymphocyte subpopulations have been observed in Zn-deficient humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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