Zinc chloride is one of the available sources of the trace element zinc, providing a mineral essential for numerous biochemical functions in the body, including the production of RNA and DNA. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include slower wound healing, reduced appetite, skin inflammation, and reduced night vision and sense of taste. Zinc chloride may be added to intravenous nutrition or taken by mouth. Proteins—with the exception of casein, the protein in milk—enhance zinc absorption. Other dietary substances that can interfere with zinc absorption include calcium, fiber and phytates that bind to zinc and prevent its absorption in the digestive tract.
Growth and Development
Zinc provides support for the biochemical reactions required for cell growth and normal development. According to MedlinePlus, zinc deficiency slows growth. Researchers at China Agricultural University in Beijing discovered an association of increased blood concentration of growth hormone with administration of water-insoluble tetrabasic zinc chloride to weanling pigs. The pituitary releases growth hormone to regulate cell division and protein synthesis.
Cellular Protection
Exposure to heavy metals damages the kidney. According to P.L. Goering and C.D. Klaassen, zinc increases the level of metallothionene in liver cells providing protection from cadmium poisoning. Working on a similar hypothesis, Nigerian researchers, published in the Archives of Environmental Health, administered zinc chloride with low-dose mercury to mice. Mice receiving zinc chloride alone showed normal kidney cells. Mercury caused cell death in the kidney. The combination of zinc with mercury reduced damage to the kidney.
Immune Response
Zinc, along with other minerals and vitamins, provides support for the immune system, and a deficiency of zinc may lead to slower wound healing and a greater susceptibility to infection. According to MedlinePlus, zinc regulates T lymphocytes, CD4 lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and interleukin II, though limited research shows zinc chloride enhances immune function. Research conducted at Goethe University in Germany and published in the Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research shows zinc chloride increases release of gamma-interferon by working in coordination with other immune factors including interleukin.
References
- MedlinePlus: Drug Information: Zinc
- “Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Science”; The Growth Promoting Effect; B. Zhang and Y. Guo; Oct 2008
- “Archives of Environmental Health”; Nephrotoxic...Protection by Zinc; O.J. Afonne et al.; Mar/Apr 2002
- “Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research”; Expanding Extracellular Zinc; M.A. Poleganov et al.; 2007
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