Zinc in the Body

Essential trace elements for humans, animals and plants

Naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement

Involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism

Required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes

Average Adult Body: 1.4-2.5 g Zn Typically found in bone, prostate, choroid of

the eye 90% total body zinc are found in the bone

and skeletal system 0.5% total body zinc are found in the blood Plasma zinc level: 75 – 120 ug/dL

An essential component of several metalloenzymes

Development of male reproductive functions and formation of testosterone

An accelerator of wound healing and for a normal sense of taste

Vital for the immune system

Vital for growth and cell division

Vital for vision

Hydrolization

Zinc must separate from the amino acids which takes place in the stomach

Absorption

It occurs along the upper jejunum which comes from food or from enteropancreatic circulation of endogenous zinc,

Zinc may pass to the enterocytes by passive diffusion (at very high intestinal concentrations)

Absorption Enhancers

The presence of substances that bind with zinc and help carry it across to the enterocytes enahnce zinc absorption

Presence of glucose, lactose, soy protein, meat protein, Vitamin C, glutamate, citrate

Amino acids: histidine, cysteine, methionine

Absorption Inhibitors

Absorption of zinc decreases with fiber, phytate, copper, calcium, phosporus, cadmium, casein

Transport and Storage

It is carried through the bloodstream bound to albumin and taken to the liver before redistribution to other tissues.

Zinc that is not needed immediately is stored throughout the body.

Excretion

It is excreted through feces. Significant amounts are lost from the urine, hair loss, and sweating.

The major sources of zinc are found in animal foods like:

o Milko Beef meato Livero Oysterso Eggso Crimni mushroomso Spinacho Pumpkin seedso Green Peaso Nutso Legumeso Whole grain cerealso Wheat and branNote: Availability is less in plants sources.. Food processing removes a

large proportion of zinc as well as other trace elements.

Zinc deficiency is characterized by:

retardation

loss of appetite

impaired immune function

alopecia

diarrhea

delayed sexual maturation

Impotence in males

eye and skin lesions

People with gastrointestinal and other diseases

Vegetarians

Pregnant and lactating women

Older infants who are exclusively breastfed

People with sickle cell disease

Alcoholics

Acute adverse effects of high zinc intake include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and headaches.

It has an effect of decrease in HDL-cholesterol in adult males.

Associated with inhalation of zinc chloride from industrial pollution, causing loss of iron from the liver and a loss of copper.