There are 2–4 grams of zinc distributed throughout the human body.

Most zinc is in the brain, muscle, bones, kidney, and liver, with the highest concentrations in the prostate and parts of the eye.

Semen is particularly rich in zinc, which is a key factor in prostate gland function and reproductive organ growth.

SERUM ZINC. 100micrograms/dl Erythrocytes contain higher

content(1.5mg/dl),found in association with enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

DAILY REQUIREMENT AND SOURCES.

10-15mg/day

Meat ,fish,eggs,milk,beans and nuts are good sources.Animal source is a better source.

Zinc supplements.

ABSORPTION,TRANSPORT AND STORAGE. zinc absorption appears to be dependent on

a transport protein, metallothionein. Transported in plasma in association with

albumin and transferrin. Phytate,calcium ,iron and copper

interfere,while peptides and amino acids promote absorption.

◦Involved in many enzymes (over 20 metalloenzymes) Carbonic anhydrase Carboxypeptidase A Alcohol dehydrogenase Alkaline phosphatase

Four types of proteases Serine Cysteine Aspartic acid Zinc

RNA and DNA polymerases,transcription factors

The storage and secreation of insulin from beta cells of pancrease requires zinc.

Essential for proper reproduction in males,requires for spermatogenesis.

GUSTEN,is important for taste sensation.

Zinc lactate is used in toothpaste to prevent halitosis.

Zinc ions are effective antimicrobial agents even at low concentrations. Gastroenteritis is strongly attenuated by ingestion of zinc.

Required for wound healing.

DISEASE STATES. ZINC DEFICIENCY is associated with growth

retardation,poor wound healing anemia,loss of apetite and congenital abnormalities(animal studies).

Impaired spermatogenesis in males. Dwarfism and hypogonadism. ZINC TOXICITY

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS. component of several enzymes:

ceruloplasmin (an oxidase) tyrosinase (production of melanin) amine oxidase (metabolism of catecholamines) cytochrome C oxidase dopamine beta hydroxylase copper/zinc superoxide Erythrocuperin(superoxide

dismutase),cerebrocuprin.

Synthesis of hemoglobin(component of ALA Synthase),and phospholipids.

Collagen and elastin formation,Lysyloxidase. Helps in the absorption of iron,increases

effectiveness of iron in treating iron deficiency anemia.

Hemocyanin in invertebrates functions like hemoglobin.

DIETARY REQUIREMENT AND SOURCES 2-3mg/day for adults.

Liver is the richest source Others include kidney,meat,egg

yolk,cereals,green leafy vegetables.

ABSORPTION Only 10% is absorbed. Metallothionein facilitates absorption. Plasma conc. Is 100-200micrograms/dl 95% bound to ceruloplasmin,5% with albumin

COPPER DEFICIENCY MENKE’S DISEASE Genetic disorder. Poor Cu absorption. Anemia,greying of hair,hypopigmentation of

skin.

COPPER TOXICITY WILSONS’DISEASE.(Hepatolenticular

degeneration).

BIOCHEMICAL FUNCTIONS: Chromium is very important in order for

insulin to function. Insulin is an important hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates (sugars), fats, and proteins.

Chromium is a constituent ingredient of what is called the Glucose Tolerance Factor. It works closely with insulin to facilitate the uptake of glucose into cells.

Without chromium, blood sugar levels stay elevated because the action of insulin is blocked so that glucose is not transported into the cells.

The liver also needs chromium to manufacture fatty acids, lecithin, cholesterol and lipoproteins.

Cr participates in the in the transport of aminoacids into the cells(Heart,Liver).

DIETARY REQUIREMENT AND FOOD SOURCES:

Not known,daily cosumption is 10-100 micrograms.

20μg/dl Brewer’s yeast,grains,cereals cheese,black

pepper and meat.DEFICIENCY