Zinc

What

Zinc is a micronutrient of key importance for human health.  Trace element of human health that performs not only catalytic or regulatory functions but also structural ones. 

Zn belongs to the group of the most effective antioxidant-it protects thiol groups of proteins against oxidation and its physiological conditions, it induces methionines with an antioxidant capacity 300 times higher than the ability to capture hydroxyl radicals by glutathione the most important antioxidant of the cytosol.

Why

Zinc plays a significant role in bone tissues' normal development and maintaining homeostasis.  Zinc is not only a component of bone tissue but it is also involved in the synthesis of the collagen matrix mineralization and bone turnover.  Zinc can Stimulate runt-related transcription factor 2Run (RunX2) and promote the differentiation of osteoblasts.  It can facilitate bone remodeling (Molenda and Komas, April 2023).

Zinc prevents the excessive production of cyclooxgenase-2 (COX-2) controlling the process of formation of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.  Prevent the metastatic capacity of tumor cells.

Zinc is associated with the activities of about 10% protein in the human body.

Zinc protects the body against inflammatory disease, it can reduce the level of oxidative stress markers, inhibit the production of C reactive protein, and block the adhesion of molecules on macrophages and monocytes.

The action of Zinc may be used in the prevention of oxidative stress-induced bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Zinc (particularly in the form of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Sulfide) has a significant antibacterial activity.  It has shown the exhibit selective toxicity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with negligible effects on human cells.

Zinc with a Zn (Zn + Ca) ratio of 2.5 % had enhanced bioactivity, which is compromised of the ability to form apatite. A significant increase in the growth of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells was observed, along with markers of bone cell differentiation.

 

Where

20% include the testicles, liver, brain, and plasma.

• Zinc absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, with greater efficiency from liquids (up to approx. 70%) than from solid foods (approx 30%).  Part of the Zn is secreted into the intestine along with pancreatic juice and bile.

Which is the effect of deficiency of Zinc deficiency

• Is one of the major risk factors for morbidity and mortality in developing regions of the world, most dangerous in infants and children. (11th World Health Organization).

From the Article: The Role of Zinc in Bones Tissue Health and Regeneration-A Review

Magda Molenda and Joanna Kolmas, April 2023.

How

The American Food and Nutrition set the maximum tolerable upper intake level (UL)  of zinc for adults at 40mg/day.  This is the maximum dose for a person whose professional medicine confirms that has a Zn deficiency.

Excess of supplementation on Zinc in women can cause dwarfism in babies.

Bibliography

Molenda, Magda, and Joanna Kolmas. 2023. "The Role of Zinc in Bone Tissue Health and Regeneration-A Review." Biological Trace Elements Research (Springer) 5646=5651. Accessed December 30, 2023. doi:http//doi.org/10.1007/s1211/023-0363-1.