Zinc, an essential trace mineral, occurs naturally in seafood, meat, poultry, beans and nuts. Fortified cereals often contain added zinc. Zinc plays several important functions in the human body. Because the body does not have a storage system for zinc, daily zinc intake is necessary for health.
Cellular Metabolism
Zinc plays an important catalytic role, assisting nearly 100 different enzymes in catalyzing chemical reactions in the body. Zinc also plays an important structural role in the catalytic activity of the antioxidant enzyme, copper-zinc superoxide dimutase. Cell membranes require zinc for proper functioning. Without sufficient zinc, biological membranes become more vulnerable to oxidative damage.
Growth and Development
Zinc plays a role in DNA synthesis and cell division. Zinc finger proteins bind to DNA and influence the transcription of certain genes. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during periods of rapid cell division, as during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence. Zinc also participates in apoptosis, or gene-related cell death, an important regulatory process.
Other Functions
Zinc also plays an important role in immune function and wound healing, and in cell signaling, hormone release and nerve impulse transmission. The body requires sufficient amounts of zinc for proper taste and smell.
Zinc Deficiency
Symptoms of severe zinc deficiency include impaired growth and development, delayed sexual maturation, skin rashes, severe diarrhea, impaired healing, impaired immune system, loss of appetite, loss of taste sensation, night blindness, clouding and swelling of the corneas and behavioral disturbances, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Zinc deficiency occurs most often in individuals born with the genetic disorder acrodermatitis enteropathica. Severe burns or prolonged diarrhea may also lead to zinc deficiency.
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