Zinc is an essential mineral, a structural component of enzymes, proteins, cellular receptors, biological membranes, necessary for the complete breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, the formation of genetic material of cells, the metabolism of nucleic acids. Zinc is present in almost all cells of the body, but it is most concentrated in bone, nervous and muscle tissues (60%) (Lee, 2018). Zinc regulates the activity of more than 200 enzyme structures, and also participates in the formation of the most important hormones, neurotransmitters, blood cells, creating favorable conditions for the cells of the body to function properly.
Zinc serves to improve cognitive functions such as attention and memory and normalizes the work of the brain. Moreover, it increases the synthesis of insulin, stabilising blood sugar. Zinc deficiency, in its turn, may contribute to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes (Lee, 2018). Zinc boosts a person’s immune system; it has been found that low levels of zinc in the body are associated with higher risks of pneumonia and other respiratory infections development. Combined with vitamin A, zinc improves visual acuity, taste perception, and sense of smell. Zinc also stimulates the regeneration of new tissues and has anti–inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Lee, 2018). It protects cells from oxidative stress, which accelerates the aging and degeneration processes.
Zinc reserves in the body of adults weighing 70 kilograms are 1.5-3 grams, depending on the age and gender of the person. Moreover, 98% of the substance is concentrated inside cellular structures, and 2% in blood serum (Lee, 2018). The daily need for zinc is on average from 100 to 14 milligrams. The upper permissible level of zinc intake without consequences for the body is 25 milligrams (Lee, 2018). The need for the mineral increases with protein deficiency in the daily menu, excessive sweating, intensive sports, the use of oral contraceptives and mental overload.
Zinc deficiency, in contrast to overdose, is a common phenomenon that is especially typical for people living in regions with depleted soil or an overabundance of copper ions in water. A prolonged lack of zinc in the body is fraught with a violation of carbohydrate metabolism, an increase in the risk of neoplasms, and the appearance of prostate adenoma (Lee, 2018). In addition, mineral deficiency in pregnant women, in half of cases, causes atonic bleeding, the birth of weakened children or the onset of premature or prolonged labor.
The absorption of organic zinc occurs throughout the intestinal tract, but most of it is absorbed in the jejunum. Interestingly, the mineral from food of animal origin is better absorbed than from a vegetable source. This phenomenon is explained by the presence of phytic acid in the second product, which forms insoluble salts with zinc ions (Lee, 2018). In addition, the degree of assimilation of the element is influenced by some compounds that enter the body together with food.
To maintain the health of the immune, reproductive, endocrine and nervous systems, products containing zinc should be present in the daily menu. Their greatest concentration is observed in oysters, cereals, nuts, beans, berries, fruits. Considering that zinc is a part of hormones, enzymes, nerve endings, insufficient intake of the element into the body threatens menstrual cycle disorders, prostate enlargement, severe menopause, decreased immune forces of the body, toxicosis during pregnancy. Zinc products should be necessarily included in the diet of expectant mothers since they ensure the proper development and formation of the fetus.
Reference
Lee, S. R. (2018). Critical role of zinc as either an antioxidant or a prooxidant in cellular systems. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity.