Zinc: From medical point of view

Zinc is essential for body. Here is a list of its benefits for the body:

1. It is important for human metabolism

2. It catalyzes more than 100 enzymes

3. It helps in protein folding and regulation of the genes

Zinc deficiency has been found in

1. malnutrition

2. inflammatory bowel disease

3. malabsorption

4. alcoholism

Zinc deficiency may result in

1. growth retardation

2. alopecia (loss or absence of hair)

3. diarrhea (it means the use of Zinc can be helpful in treating diarrhea)

4. nail dystrophy (progressive degenration of nails)

5. decreased immunity

6. hypogonadism in males

Zinc is helpful in slowing macular degeneration and treating Wilson’s disease.

Adverse effects of Zinc after long term high dose include:

1. Suppressed immunity

2. Anemia

3. Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (This cholesterol is beneficial for the body)

4. Genitourinary complications may occur

5. Deficiency of copper

References:

Saper, R. B. et al. (2010). Zinc: An Essential Micronutrient. American Family Physician, 79 (9). 768