Zinc: An important trace element

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Zinc: an important trace element for human health

I. Zinc in organic chemistry and biology: Fundamentals

Zinc (ZN) is a chemical element with atomic number 30, belonging to group 12 (earlier IIB) of the periodic table of elements. In organic chemistry and biology of zinc, it is an important trace element that plays a key role in numerous biological processes. It is a structural component and a cofactor for hundreds of enzymes involved in metabolism, immune function, DNA and protein synthesis, wound healing, and other vital functions.

A. The chemical properties of zinc:

Zinc is bluish-white metal, relatively soft and plastic at room temperature. It has the following important chemical properties:

  1. Valence: Zinc usually shows valency +2. This means that it usually loses two electrons for the formation of zn ions2+.
  2. Reactive ability: Zinc is moderately reactive metal. It reacts with air oxygen when heated, forming zinc oxide (ZNO). He also reacts with acids, secreting hydrogen.
  3. Amphotericity: Oxide zinc (ZNO) shows amphoteric properties, that is, it can respond with both acids and bases.
  4. Complexation: Ions of zinc (Zn2+) are able to form complexes with various ligands such as amino acids, peptides, proteins and nucleic acids. This property underlies many biological functions of zinc.

B. The biological role of zinc:

Zinc is the second most previous microelement in the human body after iron. It is present in all tissues, organs and fluids of the body. Its biological role is extremely diverse:

  1. Catalytic function: Zinc is a cofactor of more than 300 well -known enzymes involved in various metabolic processes, including:

    • Carbohydrate metabolism: Enzymes involved in glycolis, gluconeogenesis and pentosophosphate paths.
    • Protein metabolism: Enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of proteins.
    • Nucleic acid metabolism: DNA-polymerase, RNA polymerase and other enzymes involved in the replication and transcription of DNA and RNA.
    • Lipid metabolism: Enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of fatty acids and cholesterol.
    • Antioxidant Protection: Superoxiddismutase (SOD), an enzyme that protects cells from damage by free radicals.

  2. Structural function: Zinc plays a structural role in proteins, stabilizing their three -dimensional structure. An example is the so -called “zinc fingers” – motives in the structure of proteins containing zinc ions and participating in the binding of DNA and RNA. Zinc fingers play an important role in the regulation of genes expression.

  3. Regulatory function: Zinc is involved in the regulation of various cellular processes, including:

    • Genes expression: Zinc affects the transcription of genes, associated with transcription factors and regulating their activity.
    • Apoptosis: Zinc plays a role in the regulation of apoptosis (programmable cell death).
    • Signaling: Zinc is involved in the transmission of signals inside the cells, affecting the activity of various signaling ways.

  4. Immune function: Zinc is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system. It plays an important role in the development and functioning of immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and NK cells. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in immunity and increased susceptibility to infections.

  5. Wound healing: Zinc plays an important role in the healing process of wounds. It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, the proliferation of cells and the formation of new tissue.

  6. Propagation: Zinc is necessary for normal reproductive function in both men and women. In men, he plays an important role in spermatogenesis and maintaining the normal level of testosterone. In women, it is necessary for the normal development of eggs and maintaining normal pregnancy.

  7. Feeling of taste and smell: Zinc plays a role in maintaining a normal sense of taste and smell. Zinc deficiency can lead to a violation of these feelings.

II. Metabolism of zinc in the body

The metabolism of zinc in the body is a complex process that includes absorption, transport, storage and excretion of zinc.

A. Absorption Zinc:

Zinc is absorbed mainly in the small intestine, mainly in the duodenum and jail. The effectiveness of zinc absorption depends on various factors, including:

  1. The content of zinc in food: The higher the content of zinc in food, the higher its absorption.
  2. Bioavailability of zinc: The bioavailability of zinc is determined by how well zinc can be learned by the body. Some substances present in food can reduce the bioavailability of zinc.
  3. The presence of other substances: Some substances, such as phytats (contained in grain and legumes), oxalate (contained in spinach and rhubarb) and calcium, can bind zinc in the intestines and reduce its absorption. Other substances, such as amino acids (especially histidine and cysteine) and organic acids (for example, citric acid), can increase zinc absorption.
  4. The state of the intestinal health: Intestinal diseases, such as crown disease and ulcerative colitis, can disrupt zinc absorption.
  5. Age: Zinc absorption can decrease with age.
  6. Other trace elements: High consumption of iron and copper can reduce zinc absorption, and vice versa.

Zinc absorption mechanisms include:

  1. Transportor Zip4: This is the main protein-transporter of zinc, located on the apical membrane of enterocytes (intestinal cells). He is responsible for the transfer of zinc from the intestinal lumen to the cells.
  2. Paracellular transport: Zinc can also be absorbed between the intestinal cells (paracellular), especially with a high concentration of zinc in the intestinal lumen.
  3. Other conveyors: Other traffic vehicles, such as DMT1 (Divalent Metal Transporter 1), can also participate in zinc absorption.

B. Zinc transport:

After absorption, zinc enters the bloodstream, where it binds to various carriers-carriers, such as:

  1. Albumin: This is the main protein-carrier of zinc in blood plasma.
  2. Alfa-2-Marglobulin: This protein also connects zinc and transports it to various fabrics.
  3. Transferin: This protein, which mainly tolerates iron, can also bind and transport zinc.
  4. Amino acids: Some amino acids, such as histidine and cysteine, can also bind zinc and participate in its transport.

Zinc transport is regulated by various factors, including the concentration of zinc in the blood, hormonal status and the presence of other trace elements.

C. Zinc storage:

There are no specialized zinc storage organs in the body, such as an iron liver. Zinc is stored mainly in cells of various tissues, such as liver, kidneys, muscles and bones. Zinc binds to various proteins inside the cells, such as:

  1. Metalotionein (MT): This is a family of proteins that have a high ability to bind zinc and other heavy metals. Metalotionein plays an important role in storing and detoxification of zinc.
  2. Other proteins: Zinc can also be associated with other proteins involved in various cellular processes.

The content of zinc in the cells is regulated by various factors, including zinc concentration in the environment, hormonal status and activity of various genes.

D. Excretion of zinc:

The main path of zinc excretion is through the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract) with feces. Non -absorbed zinc, as well as zinc, secreted with bile and pancreatic juice, is excreted from the body with feces. A small amount of zinc is excreted in the urine and then. Zinc excretion is regulated by various factors, including the concentration of zinc in the blood, hormonal status and the state of health of the kidneys.

III. Sources of zinc in power and recommendations for consumption

Zinc enters the body with food. It is important to get a sufficient amount of zinc with food to maintain health.

A. Food sources of zinc:

The best sources of zinc in power include:

  1. Meat: Red meat (beef, lamb) and poultry are good sources of zinc.
  2. Seafood: Oysters contain especially a lot of zinc. Other seafood, such as crabs, lobsters and fish, are also good sources of zinc.
  3. Grain: Whole grain products, such as brown rice, oats and wheat, contain zinc. However, phitates contained in grains can reduce the bioavailability of zinc.
  4. Legumes: Beans, lentils and peas contain zinc. Like cereals, legumes contain phitates that can reduce zinc bioavailability.
  5. Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, cedar nuts and almonds contain zinc.
  6. Dairy products: Milk, cheese and yogurt contain zinc.
  7. Vegetables: Some vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach and broccoli, contain zinc, but in smaller quantities than the above products.

B. Recommendations for zinc consumption:

Recommendations on zinc consumption depend on the age, gender and physiological state of a person. The US National Health Institutes (NIH) recommend the following daily standards of zinc consumption:

  • Infants (0-6 months): 2 mg
  • Infants (7-12 months): 3 mg
  • Children (1-3 years old): 3 mg
  • Children (4-8 years old): 5 mg
  • Children (9-13 years old): 8 mg
  • Teenagers (14-18 years old):
    • Men: 11 mg
    • Women: 9 mg
  • Adults (19 years and older):
    • Men: 11 mg
    • Women: 8 mg
  • Pregnant women: 11 mg
  • Women’s nursing: 12 mg

People who observe a vegetarian or vegan diet may need more zinc, since phytats contained in plant foods can reduce the bioavailability of zinc. They are recommended to consume 50% more zinc than indicated in the recommendations.

C. Factors affecting the need for zinc:

The need for zinc may increase in the following cases:

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and lactating women need more zinc to ensure the normal development of the fetus and child.
  • Intestinal diseases: Intestinal diseases, such as crown disease and ulcerative colitis, can disrupt zinc absorption and increase the need for it.
  • Diabetes sugar: People with diabetes may have an increased need for zinc.
  • Chronic kidney diseases: Chronic kidney diseases can disrupt zinc metabolism and increase the need for it.
  • HIV infection: People with HIV infection may have an increased need for zinc.
  • Elder age: Zinc absorption can decrease with age, which can increase the need for it.
  • Alcohol abuse: Alcohol abuse can violate zinc metabolism and increase the need for it.
  • Vegetarian or vegan diet: Vegetarians and vegans may need more zinc due to the content of phitat in plant foods.

IV. Zinc deficiency: causes, symptoms and consequences

Zinc deficiency can lead to various health problems. It is important to know about the causes, symptoms and consequences of zinc deficiency in order to take measures in a timely manner to eliminate it.

A. Causes of zinc deficiency:

Zinc deficiency can be caused by various reasons, including:

  1. Insufficient consumption of zinc with food: This is the most common cause of zinc deficiency, especially in developing countries where people consume insufficient number of foods rich in zinc.
  2. Violation of zinc absorption: Intestinal diseases, such as crown disease and ulcerative colitis, can disrupt zinc absorption and lead to its deficiency.
  3. Increased need for zinc: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, diseases, such as diabetes and chronic kidney diseases, can increase the need for zinc and lead to its deficiency.
  4. Reception of some drugs: Some drugs, such as diuretics (diuretics) and angiotenzinzinoproding enzyme (ACF), can increase zinc excretion and lead to its deficiency.
  5. Alcoholism: Alcohol abuse can violate zinc metabolism and lead to its deficiency.
  6. Genetic diseases: Some genetic diseases, such as enteropathic acrodermatitis, can disrupt zinc absorption and lead to its deficiency.

B. Symptoms of zinc deficiency:

Symptoms of zinc deficiency can be different and depend on the degree of deficiency. A mild zinc deficiency can be asymptomatic. A more pronounced zinc deficiency can be manifested by the following symptoms:

  1. Delayed growth and development in children: Zinc is necessary for the normal growth and development of children. Zinc deficiency can lead to growth retardation, a decrease in appetite and a violation of bone development.
  2. Diarrhea: Zinc deficiency can disrupt the intestinal function and lead to diarrhea.
  3. Skin rashes: Zinc deficiency can lead to skin rashes, especially around the mouth, nose and anus. Rashes can be red, peeling and itchy.
  4. Hair loss: Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss.
  5. Violation of taste and smell: Zinc deficiency can lead to a violation of taste and smell. People with zinc deficiency can experience a decrease in sensitivity to tastes and smells or experience a distortion of taste.
  6. Wound healing delay: Zinc is necessary for normal wound healing. Zinc deficiency can lead to wound healing delay.
  7. Reduced immunity: Zinc is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in immunity and increased susceptibility to infections.
  8. Visual impairment in the dark: Zinc plays a role in the transport of vitamin A, necessary for normal vision. Zinc deficiency can lead to vision of vision in the dark.
  9. In men: a decrease in testosterone levels and violation of spermatogenesis: Zinc is necessary for normal reproductive function in men. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels and a violation of spermatogenesis.
  10. Neuropsychological disorders: Zinc deficiency can affect cognitive functions and lead to symptoms such as a decrease in memory, deterioration of attention and depression.

C. The consequences of zinc deficiency:

A long -term zinc deficiency can lead to serious health consequences, including:

  1. Chronic diseases: Zinc deficiency can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.
  2. Multiples of fetal development: Circus deficiency in pregnant women can lead to impaired fetal development, including low birth weight, premature birth and congenital defects.
  3. Death: In severe cases, zinc deficiency can lead to death, especially in children.

D. Diagnosis of zinc deficiency:

Diagnosis of zinc deficiency can be complex, since there is no perfect test for determining the level of zinc in the body. The most common methods for diagnosing zinc deficiency include:

  1. Blood test for the content of zinc in plasma: This test measures the level of zinc in the blood plasma. However, the level of zinc in the blood plasma can vary depending on various factors, such as the time of day, eating and the presence of inflammation.
  2. Urine analysis for zinc content: This test measures the amount of zinc displayed in urine. However, this test is not a reliable indicator of zinc deficiency, since various factors also affect it.
  3. Hair analysis for zinc content: This test measures the level of zinc in the hair. However, this test is not a reliable indicator of zinc deficiency, since external factors, such as the use of shampoos and dye for hair, can affect it.
  4. Clinical assessment: The diagnosis of zinc deficiency is often made on the basis of clinical symptoms and patient history.

V. Excess zinc: causes, symptoms and consequences

Excessive zinc consumption can also be harmful to health. It is important to know about the causes, symptoms and consequences of an excess of zinc in order to avoid it.

A. Causes of excess zinc:

Excess zinc can be caused by the following reasons:

  1. Excessive intake of zinc additives: The most common cause of excess zinc is an excessive intake of zinc additives. People can take zinc supplements in large doses for the treatment of various diseases or to improve health.
  2. Professional impact: Employees engaged in the mining industry, metallurgy and other industries where the exposure to high zinc concentrations may be at risk of excess zinc.
  3. Consumption of foods polluted by zinc: The consumption of products contaminated with zinc, such as water from galvanized pipes, can lead to an excess of zinc.
  4. Hereditary disorders: Some hereditary disorders, such as Wilson’s disease, can lead to the accumulation of zinc in the body.

B. Symptoms of zinc excess:

Symptoms of zinc excess can be different and depend on the dose of zinc and the duration of its intake. Symptoms of zinc excess include:

  1. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: These are the most common symptoms of zinc excess.
  2. Stomach ache: Excess zinc can cause abdominal pain.
  3. Headache: Excess zinc can cause headache.
  4. Reduced appetite: Excess zinc can reduce appetite.
  5. Metal taste in the mouth: Excess zinc can cause a metal taste in the mouth.
  6. Copper deficiency: High doses of zinc can prevent copper absorption, which can lead to copper deficiency. Symptoms of copper deficiency include anemia, weakness and numbness in the limbs.
  7. Reduced immunity: Excess zinc can suppress the function of the immune system.
  8. Kidney damage: In severe cases, an excess of zinc can lead to damage to the kidneys.

C. The consequences of an excess of zinc:

A long -term excess of zinc can lead to serious health consequences, including:

  1. Copper deficiency: As mentioned above, an excess of zinc can prevent copper absorption, which can lead to copper deficiency.
  2. Reduced immunity: Excess zinc can suppress the function of the immune system and increase the risk of infections.
  3. Kidney damage: In severe cases, an excess of zinc can lead to damage to the kidneys.
  4. Violation of iron metabolism: Excess zinc can affect iron metabolism and lead to anemia.

D. Treatment of zinc excess:

Treatment of zinc excess depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, it is enough to stop taking zinc additives. In more severe cases, medical care may be required. Treatment may include:

  1. Continuing taking zinc additives: This is the first step in the treatment of excess zinc.
  2. Gastric lavage: If an excess of zinc was caused by a recent technique of a large amount of zinc, a gastric lavage to remove zinc from the body can be carried out.
  3. Reception of drugs connecting zinc: Some drugs, such as iterators, can bind zinc in the body and contribute to its excretion.
  4. Supporting therapy: Supporting therapy may be required to treat symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

VI. Zinc in medicine: use in the treatment and prevention of diseases

Zinc is widely used in medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

A. The use of zinc -containing drugs:

Cycs -containing drugs are used to treat and prevent the following conditions:

  1. Zinc Deficit: Cycs -containing drugs are used to treat zinc deficiency caused by insufficient food consumption with food, violation of zinc absorption or an increased need for zinc.
  2. Colds: Some studies have shown that zinc -containing candies can reduce the duration and severity of the cold, if you begin to take them within 24 hours after the appearance of symptoms. The mechanism of action of zinc for colds is not fully studied, but it is assumed that it can block the attachment of viruses to the cells of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat and suppress the replication of viruses.
  3. Age macular degeneration (VMD): Some studies have shown that zinc intake in combination with other antioxidants may slow down the progression of the VMD, eye diseases, which can lead to loss of vision.
  4. Diarya in children: Cycs -containing drugs are used to treat diarrhea in children, especially in developing countries. Zinc helps to restore the intestinal function and improve the absorption of nutrients.
  5. Wound healing: Cycs -containing ointments and creams are used to accelerate wound healing, such as ulcers, burns and cuts. Zinc stimulates the synthesis of collagen necessary for healing tissues.
  6. Acne: Cycs -containing drugs are used to treat acne (acne). Zinc has anti -inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and prevent the growth of bacteria causing acne.
  7. Wilson’s disease: Cycs -containing drugs are used to treat the disease of Wilson, a hereditary disease in which copper accumulation in the body occurs. Zinc blocks the absorption of copper in the intestines and helps to remove it from the body.
  8. Other diseases: Cycs -containing drugs can also be used to treat other diseases, such as anorexia, dermatitis, herpes and immunodeficiency conditions.

B. Forms of zinc -containing drugs:

Cycs -containing drugs are produced in various forms, including:

  1. Tablets and capsules: These are the most common forms of zinc -containing drugs. They are intended for oral administration.
  2. Lollows: Qing -containing candies are used to treat colds. They should be absorbed in the mouth so that zinc is contacted with the mucous membrane of the nose and throat.
  3. Ointments and creams: Cycs -containing ointments and creams are used to treat skin diseases and accelerate wound healing.
  4. Injection solutions: Cycs -containing injection solutions are used in severe cases of zinc deficiency, when the oral administration of drugs is impossible.

C. Dosage and method of using zinc -containing drugs:

The dosage and method of use of zinc -containing drugs depend on age, gender, health and purpose of use. It is important to consult a doctor or a pharmacist before taking zisk -containing drugs to determine the optimal dose and method of use.

D. Side effects of zinc -containing drugs:

Cycs -containing drugs can cause side effects, especially when taking high doses. The side effects of zinc -containing drugs include:

  1. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: These are the most common side effects of zinc -containing drugs.
  2. Stomach ache: Cycs -containing drugs can cause abdominal pain.
  3. Metal taste in the mouth: Cycs -containing drugs can cause a metal taste in the mouth.
  4. Copper deficiency: High doses of zinc can prevent copper absorption, which can lead to copper deficiency.
  5. Interaction with drugs: Cycs -containing drugs can interact with some drugs such as antibiotics and diuretics.

VII. Zinc in cosmetology: application to improve the condition of the skin and hair

Zinc is widely used in cosmetology to improve the condition of the skin and hair.

A. The beneficial properties of zinc for the skin:

Zinc has the following useful properties for the skin:

  1. Anti -inflammatory action: Zinc has anti -inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation with acne, eczema and other skin diseases.
  2. Antibacterial effect: Zinc has antibacterial properties that can help fight bacteria causing acne.
  3. Regulation of the production of skin fat: Zinc can help regulate the production of sebum, which can help reduce skin fatty and prevent the appearance of acne.
  4. Acceleration of wound healing: Zinc promotes the healing of wounds, cuts and burns.
  5. UV protection protection: Zinc Oxide (ZNO) is used as a physical filter in sunscreen to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
  6. Antioxidant action: Zinc has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from damage to free radicals.

B. The use of zinc in cosmetics:

Zinc is used in various cosmetics, including:

  1. Creams and face lotions: Zinc is added to creams and facial lotions to treat acne, reduce inflammation and moisturizing the skin.
  2. Facial masks: Zinc is used in face masks to cleanse the skin, reduce inflammation and improve complexion.
  3. Sunscreen creams: Zink Oxide (ZNO) is used as a physical filter in sunscreen to protect the skin from UV radiation.
  4. Shampoos and air conditioners: Zinc can be added to shampoos and hair conditioners to treat dandruff and improve hair condition.
  5. Decorative cosmetics: Zinc can be used in decorative cosmetics, such as foundation and powder, for matting skin and reducing inflammation.

C. The benefits of zinc for hair:

Zinc is also important for hair health. It promotes hair growth, strengthens the hair follicles and helps prevent hair loss. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, dry scalp and dandruff.

D. Recommendations for the use of zinc in cosmetology:

When using zinc in cosmetology, the following recommendations should be taken into account:

  1. Choose cosmetics with a suitable zinc concentration: The concentration of zinc in cosmetics should be high enough to have a positive effect, but not too high so as not to cause skin irritation.
  2. Make a sensitivity test: Before using a cosmetic product with zinc on the entire surface of the skin, it is recommended to conduct a sensitivity test in a small area of ​​the skin.
  3. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations: Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer on the use of cosmetic agents with zinc.
  4. Consult a dermatologist: If you have any skin diseases, consult with a dermatologist before using cosmetics with zinc.

VIII. Conclusion (lowered according to the instructions)

IX. List of literature (lowered according to the instructions)

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