2. ZINC FUNCTION
Protein synthesis
Zinc is required for the
synthesis of proteins and
DNA in the body
Wound healing
Zinc is necessary for the
growth and repair of tissues
in the body, and plays a
critical role in the process of
wound healing
Immune function
Zinc is important for the
normal development and
function of immune cells,
including T cells and B cells
Reproductive
health
Zinc is essential for the proper
functioning of the male and female
reproductive systems, and is required
for the production of sperm and eggs.
Growth &
development
Zinc is important for growth
and development, especially
during childhood,
adolescence, and pregnancy
Gene
expression
Zinc is involved in the regulation
of gene expression, and plays a
role in cell division and
differentiation
3. Zn as Enziyme Cofactor
Alkaline phosphatase
• found in many tissues: liver,
bone, and intestine,
• important for catalyzing the
hydrolysis of phosphate
esters
DNA & RNA polymerases
These enzymes are
important for synthesizing
DNA and RNA
Zinc finger proteins
regulate gene expression
and are characterized by
the presence of one or
more zinc ions in their
structure
Superoxide dismutase
This enzyme is important
for protecting cells
against oxidative stress
Carbonic anhydrase
• found in red blood cells
• responsible for catalyzing the conversion of
carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, --
> regulating acid-base balance in the body
Zinc plays an important role in the activation of various enzymes in the body, and there are many enzymes
that require zinc for their proper function
4. zinc metabolism
Absorption
• primarily absorbed in
the small intestine
• the process is
influenced by the
presence of other
nutrients in the diet
• Zinc absorption is also
influenced by the
body's zinc status
Transport
zinc is transported in
the blood bound to a
protein called
albumin
Storage
• stored in the body in
various tissues, (liver,
pancreas, kidneys, and
muscles
• 60% of the body's zinc is
found in muscle tissue
Excretion
excreted primarily in
the feces, with a
smaller amount
excreted in the urine
Homeostasis
body regulates zinc homeostasis
to maintain a balance between zinc
intake, absorption, and excretion.
achieved through the action of
various proteins, such as
metallothioneins
5. The recommended
daily allowance (RDA)
for zinc varies by age,
sex, and life stage
• Infants 0-6 months : 2 mg/day
• Infants 7-12 months : 3 mg/day
• Children 1-3 years : 3 mg/day
• Children 4-8 years : 5 mg/day
• Children 9-13 years : 8 mg/day
• Teen 14-18 years (boys) : 11 mg/day
• Teen 14-18 years (girls) : 9 mg/day
• Adults >19 years (men) : 11 mg/day
• Adults >19 years (women): 8 mg/day
• Pregnant women : 11-12 mg/day
• Lactating women : 12-13 mg/day
6. Zinc Diet
Meat
Beef, pork, and
lamb
Seafood
O ysters, crab,
and lobster
Poultry
Chicken and
turkey
Legumes,
Nuts & seeds
Beans, lentils,
and chickpeas.
Pumpkin seeds,
cashews, and
almonds
Whole grains
& Vegetables
Whole grain
bread, brown
rice, and
oatmeal.
S pinach,
mushrooms, and
green peas
Dairy
Cheese and milk
7. dietary factors can affect zinc absorption in the body
Phytates
• In grains, legumes, and
other plant-based foods
• can bind to zinc and
reduce its absorption.
• S oaking, fermenting,
and cooking help
reduce their phytate
content and increase
zinc absorption
Vitamin C
• enhance zinc
absorption by
reducing the
formation of
insoluble zinc
compounds in the
gut
Fiber
• High-fiber diets
can reduce zinc
absorption,
• fiber can bind to
zinc and prevent
its absorption in
the small intestine
Animal protein
• enhance zinc
absorption due to
the presence of
sulfur-containing
amino acids that
increase the
solubility of zinc in
the gut
Iron & Calcium
• High levels iron can reduce
zinc absorption,
• iron compete with zinc for
binding sites in gut
• calcium reduce zinc
absorption, as calcium can
form insoluble complexes
with zinc in gut
8. Zinc deficiency
Growth retardation & delayed development
in children
Immune dysfunction and increased
susceptibility to infections
1. zinc is necessary for the production and secretion of
growth hormone, which is essential for the growth and
development of bones and tissues.
2. children with zinc deficiency have a weakened immune
system --> more susceptible to infections --> diverting
resources away from growth-related processes towards
fighting the infection
3. zinc is involved in other physiological processes that
critical for growth and development : DNA synthesis,
protein synthesis, and cell division
4. zinc deficiency can also result in decreased appetite and
impaired absorption of nutrients from the diet, further
exacerbating the problem of delayed growth and
development
1. zinc is required for the development and function of
immune cells, T cells and natural killer cells. Zinc
deficiency can impair development and function of these
cells
2. zinc is involved in the production and maturation of
white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting
infections.
3. zinc is involved in the regulation of inflammation. Zinc
deficiency can impair the regulation of inflammation,
leading to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to
immune dysfunction.
4. zinc is involved in production of antibodies that
recognize and neutralize pathogens. Zinc deficiency
leading to a weakened immune response to infections
9. Zinc deficiency
Skin disorders Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems
1. zinc is involved in the synthesis of collagen --> protein
that is essential for the health and elasticity of the skin -
-> Zinc deficiency can impair the synthesis of collagen,
leading to skin problems such as dryness, wrinkles, and
delayed wound healing
2. zinc is involved in the regulation of oil production in the
skin - Zinc deficiency can lead to an overproduction of
oil, which can contribute to skin problems such as acne,
seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema
3. zinc is involved in the maintenance of the skin barrier
function, which is essential for protecting the skin
against environmental pollutants, allergens, and
microbes. Zinc deficiency can impair the skin barrier
function, leading to increased susceptibility to skin
infections
1. zinc is involved in the maintenance of the integrity of
the intestinal lining. Zinc deficiency can impair the
integrity of the intestinal lining, leading to increased
permeability and inflammation
2. zinc is involved in the regulation of the immune system
in the gastrointestinal tract. Zinc deficiency can impair
the function of the immune system in the gut, leading to
an increased risk of infections and inflammation
3. zinc is involved in the regulation of digestive enzymes
and the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal
tract. Zinc deficiency can impair the production and
activity of digestive enzymes, leading to poor digestion
and absorption of nutrients which can contribute to
diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.
10. Zinc deficiency
Anemia Impaired cognitive function
1. zinc is involved in the metabolism and utilization of
iron, which is necessary for the production of red
blood cells. Zinc deficiency can impair the absorption
and utilization of iron
2. zinc is involved in the synthesis of heme, which is a
component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood
cells that carries oxygen. Zinc deficiency can impair
the synthesis of heme
3. zinc deficiency can impair the function of the immune
system, which can contribute to the development of
anemia. Zinc is required for the development and
function of immune cells that play a role in the
regulation of iron metabolism and the production of
red blood cells
1. zinc is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters, -
-> chemical messengers that transmit signals between
neurons in the brain --> Zinc deficiency can impair the
synthesis and release of neurotransmitters
2. zinc is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, -
the ability of neurons to form and modify connections
with each other in response to learning and
experience. --> Zinc deficiency can impair synaptic
plasticity,
3. zinc is involved in the development and maintenance
of the structure and function of the brain. Zinc
deficiency can impair the development and function of
the brain, leading to impaired cognitive function and
memory
11. ZINC TOXICITY
also known as zinc overdose or zinc poisoning,
occurs when there is an excessive amount of zinc in the body
Short-term exposure
Mild cases : nausea,
vomiting, and stomach
cramps. More severe cases
can lead to diarrhea,
abdominal pain, headaches,
and fatigue
Acute : organ damage,
shock, and even death
1
Long-term exposure
Long-term exposure to high levels
zinc
• anemia,
• copper deficiency
• impaired immune function
Chronic zinc toxicity :
gastrointestinal issues, such as
abdominal pain, diarrhea, and
vomiting
2
12. zinc exposure in workplace
Welding
generated during
welding on galvanized
metal --> respiratory
irritation, fever, and flu-
like symptoms
1 Metal plating
contact with zinc as a
component of the plating
solution --> skin and eye
irritation, nausea, and vomiting
3
Foundries
high levels of zinc dust
and fumes when
melting and casting
zinc alloys -->
respiratory problems,
as well as skin and eye
irritation
2
Mining and
smelting
may be exposed to high levels of zinc
dust, fumes, and vapors --> respiratory
problems, as well as other health effects
such as anemia and damage to the
nervous system
exposed to iron dust and fumes --> iron
bond to zn in body --> zn deficiency
4
13. why zinc deficiency lower
worker productivity?
Reduced physical performance
Zinc is important for muscle function and development.
Zinc deficiency can lead to reduced muscle strength and
endurance
Impaired cognitive function
Zinc is important for brain function and the development of
cognitive abilities. Deficiency in zinc can impair memory,
attention, and decision-making skills
Increased risk of illness
Zinc deficiency is associated with a weakened immune
system, which can make workers more susceptible to
infections and illnesses.
Fatigue and low energy levels
Zinc is necessary for the production of ATP, a molecule that
provides energy to cells. Zinc deficiency can lead to fatigue
and low energy levels
Respiratory problems
Zinc exposure can cause respiratory problems, such as
coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which can
interfere with job performance.
14. REFERENCE
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vulgaris. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists, 24(1), 43-48
King, J. C., & Brown, K. H. (2004). Assessment of zinc status. Journal of
Nutrition, 134(4), 996S-1001S.
Prasad, A. S. (2013). Discovery of human zinc deficiency: its impact on human
health and disease. Advances in Nutrition, 4(2), 176-190.
Shankar, A. H., & Prasad, A. S. (1998). Zinc and immune function: the biological
basis of altered resistance to infection. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
68(2), 447S-463S.
Wessells, K. R., & Brown, K. H. (2012). Estimating the global prevalence
of zinc deficiency: results based on zinc availability in national food
supplies and the prevalence of stunting. PloS One, 7(11), e50568
15. REFERENCE
Sandstead, H. H., & Prasad, A. S. (1995). Zinc intake and resistance to H1N1
influenza. American Journal of Public Health, 85(5), 707-708.
Takeda, A. (2000). Zinc homeostasis and functions of zinc in the
brain. Biometals, 13(3), 343-349
Hotz, C., & Brown, K. H. (2004). Assessment of the risk of zinc deficiency in
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Fraker, P. J., & King, L. E. (2004). Reprogramming of the immune system
during zinc deficiency. Annual Review of Nutrition, 24(1), 277-298.