Introduction

Zinc is a metallic element. It is required in small amounts for the growth and maintenance of normal physiological function of the body.

Zinc daily requirements

The recommended daily intake of zinc is

• Men = 11 to 14 mg/ day
• Women = 8 to 12 mg per day with additional increase of 2 to 3 mg per day during pregnancy and lactation

• Infants =2 to 3 mg/day

• Children = 5 to 8mg/day

Source of zinc

Rich source of zinc are meat, poultry, fish, milk, dairy products and whole cereals .The plant source of zinc is poor.

Biological function of zinc

• Zinc is essential for cell division and growth and for maintenance of normal physiological function
• Zinc is essential for various enzymatic activity of the body to maintain normal growth and function
• Zinc is essential for skin and hair growth
• Zinc is essential for sperm production and maturation
• Zinc is required for the effective functioning of body defense mechanism- immune system
• Zinc is required for the appreciation of smell,  taste and vision

• Zinc plays a vital role in the brain activity especially in boosting memory and mood stabilization effects

• Zinc promotes wound healing .

Zinc deficiency disorders

As zinc is essential in various activities of the body, deficiency of zinc affects multisystem

• Delayed wound healing
• Dry skin and hair fall
• Defective sperm production and infertility
• Birth defects and low birth weight
• Seizures in the infant
• Anorexia and loss of appetite
• Depression and irritability
• Diarrhea and weight loss
• Reduced immunity leads to repeated infections
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Cataract
• Macular degeneration and retinal detachment

• Impaired smell and taste perception

• Fatigue

Effects of zinc overdose- zinc toxicity

• Gastro intestinal – stomach pain , cramps, diarrhea and impaired vitamin A and B complex absorption
• Loss of hair
• Decreased libido and impotence
• Renal damage – tubular necrosis and renal failure
• Impaired cholesterol metabolism