Is zinc a mineral
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Zinc as a Mineral: An Overview
Zinc as an Essential Mineral
Zinc is unequivocally classified as a mineral, specifically a trace mineral, which is essential for numerous biological processes in both plants and animals. It is a crucial micronutrient that plays a significant role in various physiological functions.
Role of Zinc in Plants
In the plant kingdom, zinc is vital for maintaining the integrity of biomembranes and is involved in proteosynthesis and energy processes. It is essential for the development of seeds and generative organs, embedding itself into enzymes that facilitate these processes1. Zinc's interaction with plants, including its uptake and assimilation, is critical for plant health and development.
Zinc in Human Health
Zinc and Metabolic Functions
Zinc is integral to human health, influencing insulin action and carbohydrate metabolism. It also plays a protective role in preventing atherogenesis, which is the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries2. Zinc supplementation has been shown to have favorable effects on plasma lipid parameters, significantly reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, which may help reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis-related morbidity and mortality2.
Zinc and Bone Health
Zinc is also crucial for bone health. It stimulates bone growth in zinc-deficient individuals and plays a role in the mineralization process of osteoblasts, which are cells responsible for bone formation. Zinc influences the expression of metallothionein and osteocalcin, proteins involved in zinc storage and bone mineralization, respectively4.
Zinc and Male Reproductive Health
Zinc is essential for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system. Studies have shown that zinc levels in seminal plasma are correlated with male fertility. Zinc supplementation can significantly improve semen volume, sperm motility, and the percentage of normal sperm morphology, indicating its importance in male reproductive health5.
Zinc as an Antioxidant
Zinc acts as an anti-oxidative stress agent, inhibiting the oxidation of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. It also reduces inflammatory responses, thereby down-regulating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improving overall health6. Zinc deficiency can lead to various health issues, including growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, and depressed immune response6.
Zinc and Mineral Absorption
Zinc plays a key role in coordinating the absorption of other mineral elements in plants. For instance, in wheat seedlings, zinc levels influence the uptake of potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Low zinc supply promotes the absorption of these elements, while high zinc supply inhibits their absorption3. This coordination is crucial for the balanced nutrition of plants and can be applied to optimize agricultural practices.
Effects of Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency can significantly alter the homeostasis of various minerals and trace elements in the body. In rats, zinc deficiency has been shown to affect the concentrations and excretion of up to 12 different minerals and trace elements, including magnesium, copper, selenium, potassium, and calcium7. This indicates the broad impact of zinc on overall mineral balance and health.
Conclusion
Zinc is a vital mineral that plays multiple roles in both plant and animal health. Its importance spans from metabolic functions and bone health to reproductive health and antioxidant defense. Understanding zinc's multifaceted roles and ensuring adequate zinc intake is crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing deficiencies.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Zinc, zinc nanoparticles and plants.
Zinc nanoparticles have both positive and negative effects on plants, and understanding their uptake and assimilation within higher plants may lead to wider involvement in agriculture.
Literature Review
Highly CitedEffects of Zinc supplementation on serum lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zinc supplementation significantly reduces total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, potentially reducing atherosclerosis-related morbidity and mortality.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMeta-analysis of the role of zinc in coordinating absorption of mineral elements in wheat seedlings
Zinc plays a key role in coordinating mineral element absorption in modern wheat cultivars, with low zinc supply promoting potassium, magnesium, and manganese absorption, while high zinc supply inhibits these elements.
Meta-AnalysisRole of zinc in cellular zinc trafficking and mineralization in a murine osteoblast-like cell line.
Zinc plays a crucial role in osteoblast mineralization through cellular zinc trafficking, involving storage proteins and transporters.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedZinc levels in seminal plasma and their correlation with male infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Infertile males have significantly lower zinc levels in seminal plasma, but zinc supplementation can significantly improve sperm quality and semen volume.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedMolecular Mechanisms of Zinc as a Pro-Antioxidant Mediator: Clinical Therapeutic Implications
Zinc supplementation acts as an anti-oxidative stress agent, improving human health by inhibiting oxidation of macromolecules and reducing inflammation.
Highly CitedThe effects of zinc deficiency on homeostasis of twelve minerals and trace elements in the serum, feces, urine and liver of rats
Zinc deficiency alters the excretion, reabsorption, and redistribution of 12 minerals and trace elements in rats, with the first study to show that it alters the concentrations of Ag, Cr, and As.
RCT
Animal Study
Rigorous JournalDietary zinc reduces osteoclast resorption activities and increases markers of osteoblast differentiation, matrix maturation, and mineralization in the long bones of growing rats.
Increasing dietary zinc from 2.5 to 30 micrograms/g may not meet optimal bone development needs, as it reduces osteoclast resorption and increases osteoblast differentiation, matrix maturation, and mineralization in growing rats.
RCTAnimal StudyHighly CitedAntioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of zinc. Zinc-dependent NF-κB signaling
Zinc has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulating immune response.
Highly CitedThe SLC39 family of zinc transporters.
SLC39 transporters play critical roles in maintaining cellular zinc homeostasis and may be linked to human diseases.
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