Zinc is a chemical element that has the symbol Zn with the atomic number of 30. Zinc is an essential micronutrient or trace element for humans that has important roles in cellular growth and the maintenance of a number of biological processes. It is required for the function of over 300 enzymes.
Function of zinc:
Enzymes, wound healing
Zinc dietary sources:
Meat, liver, eggs, oysters, fowl, peanuts, almonds, whole grains, pumpkin seeds
Deficiency of Zinc:
growth retardation, hypogonadism, cirrhosis, skin rash, diarrhea, alopecia, eye and skin lesions, impaired immune functions, impotence
The Zinc Taste Test is wrongly used by some alternative health practitiners to determine zinc deficiency.
Zinc levels in pancreatic islet cells are tightly regulated so that any problems of zinc metabolism might affect the synthesis and secretion of insulin. Because of this, zinc status has been suggested as being related to diabetes risk. The levels of zinc in toenails are considered reliable biomarkers of long-term exposure to zinc. This study did not find any evidence-based on toenail measures that zinc status is associated with the incidence of diabetes.
Toxicity:
Excessive absorption of zinc suppresses copper and iron absorption
Zinc deficiency depresses immunity but excessive zinc does also.
Effect on lower limb:
Poor healing of wounds if zinc-deficient
Possible increased risk for verruca if zinc-deficient
Related Pages:
Zinc Supplments for Verruca
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