Zinc is an essential mineral that plays many important roles in the body. It is required for protein synthesis, wound healing, immune function, reproductive health, growth and development, and gene expression. Zinc also acts as a cofactor for various enzymes involved in processes like DNA/RNA synthesis, antioxidant defense, and acid-base balance. A zinc deficiency can impair these functions and cause issues like growth retardation, immune dysfunction, skin disorders, and cognitive problems. The recommended daily intake of zinc varies depending on age, sex, and life stage. Good dietary sources include meat, seafood, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Factors like phytates, fiber and high levels of iron or calcium can interfere with zinc absorption

1. ZINC DEFICIENCY
ANASTASYA HANNIE

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
Skin disorders
Diarrhea and
other
gastrointestin
al problems
Anemia
Impaired
cognitive
function
Mercury is the
smallest planet
of them all
Neptune is the
farthest planet
from the S un
Zinc deficiency
can lead to acne,
eczema, and
dermatitis
J upiter is the
biggest planet in
the S olar S ystem
Venus is terribly
hot, even hotter
than Mercury
Despite being
red, Mars is
actually cold

9. 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

10. REFERENCE
Cucumber
The Earth is the only planet with life
Olives
Despite being red, Mars is actually a cold place
Prasad, A. S. (2013). Discovery of human zinc deficiency: its impact
on human health and disease. Advances in Nutrition, 4(2), 176-190.
Red Lettuce
S aturn is a gas giant and has several rings
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