What Is Zinc? Other Names: Aspartate de Zinc, Atomic Number 30, Chelated Zinc
Have a question about science, health, fitness, or diet? Get cited, evidence-based insights: Consensus is an AI-Powered Academic Search Engine.
Try for freeContents
What is Zinc?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in various biological processes in the human body. It is involved in numerous structural, catalytic, and regulatory functions, making it indispensable for maintaining overall health. This article explores the significance of zinc, its impact on health, and the consequences of zinc deficiency and excess. Other names include: Acétate de Zinc, Acexamate de Zinc, Aspartate de Zinc, Atomic Number 30, Chelated Zinc, Chlorure de Zinc, Citrate de Zinc, Gluconate de Zinc, Méthionine de Zinc, Monométhionine de Zinc, Numéro Atomique 30, Orotate de Zinc, Oxyde de Zinc, Picolinate de Zinc, Pyrithione de Zinc, Sulfate de Zinc, Zinc Acetate, Zinc Acetate Hydrate, Zinc Acetylmethionate, Zinc Acexamate, Zinc Aspartate, Zinc carbobenzoxy-beta-alanyltaurinate , Zinc Chelate, Zinc Chloride, Zinc Citrate, Zinc Difumarate Hydrate, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Glycinate, Zinc Methionine, Zinc Monomethionine, Zinc Murakab, Zinc Nicotinate, Zinc Orotate, Zinc Oxide, Zinc Picolinate, Zinc Pyrithione, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Sulphate, Zincum Aceticum, Zincum Gluconicum, Zincum Metallicum, Zincum Valerianicum, Zn.
Biological Roles of Zinc
Zinc is a vital component of approximately 10% of the human proteome, encompassing hundreds of key enzymes and transcription factors3. It is essential for cell growth, apoptosis, and metabolism, and it regulates endocrine, immune, and neuronal functions6. Zinc’s biological roles can be categorized into three major functions: catalytic, structural, and regulatory5.
Catalytic Functions
Zinc acts as a catalyst in various enzymatic reactions, including those involved in DNA synthesis and cell division. It is a structural constituent of numerous proteins, including enzymes of cellular signaling pathways and transcription factors10.
Structural Functions
Zinc-binding motifs are found in many proteins encoded by the human genome. These motifs are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of proteins and facilitating their biological functions5.
Regulatory Functions
Zinc plays a significant role in regulating immune function, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and aging. It modulates cellular signal recognition, second messenger metabolism, protein kinase and protein phosphatase activities, and transcription factor activities10.
Health Implications of Zinc
Zinc is essential for maintaining immune function, antioxidant capacity, and overall health. It has been shown to improve depression, sperm quality, and reduce the incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia in children1. However, zinc deficiency and excess can have detrimental effects on health.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency is widespread and can have severe consequences, including impaired growth, neuronal development, and immune function8. It is associated with various chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, malignancies, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and age-related degenerative diseases5. Zinc deficiency is also linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which can exacerbate these conditions5.
Zinc Excess
While zinc is relatively harmless compared to other metal ions, excessive zinc intake can lead to toxicity. High-dose zinc supplementation can interfere with copper uptake, leading to copper deficiency and associated toxic effects8. Acute zinc intoxication is rare, but long-term high-dose supplementation can have adverse effects on health8.
Zinc in Disease Prevention and Treatment
Zinc has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in various conditions. It has shown promise in treating viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus and the common cold, due to its antiviral properties3. Zinc supplementation has also been investigated for its role in improving outcomes in autoimmune disorders, depression, and dermatological conditions4 6 7.
Zinc and Autoimmunity
Zinc plays a key role in regulating the immune system, and its deficiency is observed in various autoimmune disorders. Studies have shown that zinc levels in serum and plasma are significantly lower in patients with autoimmune diseases compared to controls4. Zinc supplementation may help modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation in these patients4.
Zinc and Depression
Depression is associated with lower zinc concentrations in peripheral blood. Studies have shown that greater depression severity is linked to greater relative zinc deficiency. Zinc supplementation may have potential benefits in alleviating depressive symptoms6.
Zinc in Dermatology
Zinc has numerous pharmacological uses in dermatology due to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. It has shown efficacy in treating conditions such as acne vulgaris, leishmaniasis, and warts. Patients with zinc deficiency should receive oral supplementation to improve their dermatological health7.
Learn more with Consensus:
Uses of Zinc
Dermatological Uses
Zinc is effective in treating various skin conditions such as acne vulgaris, leishmaniasis, warts, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, and hair loss disorders1 7.
Topical zinc preparations like zinc oxide and calamine are used for their photoprotective and soothing properties, and as active ingredients in antidandruff shampoos7.
Immune Function and Antiviral Properties
Zinc is crucial for maintaining immune function and has direct antiviral properties. It is used to prevent and treat viral infections such as herpes simplex virus and the common cold3.
Zinc deficiency can impair immune responses, making individuals more susceptible to infections2 3.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Roles
Zinc acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. It is involved in the regulation of immune responses and apoptosis2 5 10.
It helps in managing chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common in conditions like atherosclerosis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases10.
Nutritional and Developmental Importance
Zinc is essential for growth, development, and gene expression. It is a critical component of numerous enzymes and proteins6 8.
Zinc deficiency can lead to various health issues, including hair loss, memory loss, skin disorders, and muscular weakness6.
Agricultural Uses
Zinc is vital for plant growth and development. It is used in fertilizers to enhance crop yield and quality by addressing zinc deficiency in soil6 9.
Strategies to improve zinc uptake in plants include altering root architecture and using biostimulators and nanomaterials9.
Learn more with Consensus:
Adverse Effects of Zinc
Copper Deficiency and Related Symptoms
Excessive zinc intake can lead to copper deficiency, resulting in anemia, neutropenia, and impaired immune function1 2 3 4.
Gastrointestinal and Systemic Toxicity
High doses of zinc can cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, as well as systemic symptoms like lethargy and fatigue3 5.
Impact on Iron Metabolism
Zinc supplementation can adversely affect iron metabolism, leading to decreased serum ferritin, plasma/serum copper concentration, and increased odds of anemia1 2.
Neurological and Cognitive Effects
Long-term high-dose zinc supplementation can interfere with copper uptake, which is crucial for brain health, potentially leading to cognitive impairments4 6.
Immune System Alterations
Both zinc deficiency and excessive zinc intake can impair immune cell functions, including decreased monocyte function, reduced natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and altered cytokine release9 10.
Cardiovascular Effects
Excessive zinc intake can negatively affect the ratio of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) to high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, potentially impacting cardiovascular health3.
Developmental and Reproductive Health
In animal models, parental zinc deficiency has been shown to cause adverse developmental outcomes in offspring, including increased mortality and altered gene expression related to metal homeostasis and development7.
Learn more with Consensus:
How has Zinc Improved Patient Outcomes?
Improvement in Survival and Clinical Outcomes in Cancer Patients
Zinc supplementation has shown to improve local-free survival (LFS) in patients with advanced stages of head and neck cancers and nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy1 6.
Zinc may reduce oral toxicities such as mucositis, xerostomia, and dysgeusia in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, although it does not significantly impact overall survival or quality of life8.
Reduction in Mortality and ICU Admissions in COVID-19 Patients
Zinc supplementation in COVID-19 patients has been associated with a decrease in 30-day mortality and ICU admission rates, as well as a reduction in the duration of symptoms and length of hospital stay2.
Enhanced Wound Healing in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia and Pressure Injuries
Zinc supplementation has been linked to improved wound healing in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia undergoing bypass surgery and in patients with pressure injuries5 9.
Improved Neurological Outcomes in Neonatal Sepsis
Zinc supplementation in neonates with sepsis has been shown to improve neurological outcomes at one month of age, although it did not significantly reduce mortality10.
Positive Effects on Severe Head Trauma Recovery
Zinc supplementation in patients with severe head trauma has been associated with better Glasgow Outcome Scores (GOS), lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, and reduced inflammation markers, leading to shorter hospital stays4.
Mixed Results in Tinnitus Management
Studies on zinc supplementation for tinnitus management have shown no significant improvement in tinnitus severity or loudness, indicating that zinc may not be effective for this condition7.
Learn more with Consensus:
Zinc Mechanisms of Action
Insulinomimetic Activity and Glucose Uptake
Zinc complexes such as Zn(maltolate)2 and Zn(threoninate)2 enhance glucose uptake in adipocytes by acting on insulin receptors, PI3-k, and GLUT 4 transporters, and by activating phosphodiesterase1.
Regulation of Neurotransmission
Zinc modulates excitatory neurotransmission by transiently inhibiting GluN2A-NMDA receptors during synaptic activity, affecting synaptic integration and plasticity2.
Redox Homeostasis
Zinc maintains cellular redox balance by regulating oxidant production, inducing metallothionein synthesis, and modulating glutathione metabolism. It also stabilizes protein sulfhydryls and antagonizes transition metal-catalyzed reactions3 4 5.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Zinc exhibits antioxidant properties by inducing metallothioneins, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, and inhibiting NF-κB activation, which reduces inflammation4 5.
Cell Growth and Development
Zinc is crucial for growth by participating in DNA and RNA synthesis, cell replication, and differentiation. It also influences hormonal mediation, including growth hormone and insulin6.
Antiapoptotic Action
Zinc prevents apoptosis by stimulating DNA synthesis and activating antiapoptotic proteins like Bcl-2, independently of Bcl-2 overexpression7.
Diabetes and Glycemic Control
Zinc supports insulin signal transduction, reduces cytokine production, and is associated with genetic factors influencing diabetes. It improves glycemic control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes8.
Cellular Homeostasis and Distribution
Zinc’s interaction with metallothionein and thionein regulates cellular zinc pools and redox state, influenced by cellular ligands and redox conditions9 10.
Learn more with Consensus:
Common Complaints Associated with Zinc Use
Gastrointestinal Issues
High zinc intake can cause nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain1 2.
Copper Deficiency
Excessive zinc intake can lead to copper deficiency, resulting in anemia, neutropenia, and leukopenia1 3 4.
Taste Alterations
Zinc supplementation, particularly in lozenge form, is associated with a bad taste2.
Fatigue and Lethargy
High doses of zinc can cause fatigue and lethargy1 4.
Impact on Lipid Profile
Zinc intake above the recommended levels can adversely affect HDL cholesterol concentrations and the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio1.
Nausea
Zinc supplementation is linked to an increased incidence of nausea2.
Hematological Effects
Zinc supplementation can negatively impact serum ferritin, plasma/serum copper concentration, serum transferrin receptor, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, increasing the odds of anemia3.
Learn more with Consensus:
Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.
Have a question about science, health, fitness, or diet? Get cited, evidence-based insights: Consensus is an AI-Powered Academic Search Engine.
Try for free