2011 | Christos T. Chasapis · Ariadni C. Loutsidou · Chara A. Spiliopoulou · Maria E. Stefanidou
Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for human health, playing key roles in homeostasis, immune function, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and aging. Zinc deficiency is linked to various diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and aging. It can worsen clinical outcomes, impair immune function, increase oxidative stress, and promote inflammatory cytokine production. Zinc is vital for numerous biological processes, such as DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, cell division, wound healing, and reproductive health. Deficiencies in zinc are associated with conditions like anorexia, impaired hemostasis, reduced T-cell numbers, and developmental issues in fetuses and children. Zinc supplementation is effective in treating many diseases, including acrodermatitis enteropathica, Wilson's disease, acute diarrhea, chronic hepatitis C, and the common cold. However, excessive zinc intake can be toxic, so its levels must be carefully regulated. The recommended daily intake is 15 mg, with a tolerable upper limit of 25 mg. Short-term high-dose zinc therapy can restore immune function in certain conditions, while long-term physiological doses may lead to zinc accumulation and toxicity. Zinc's unique properties make it a promising therapeutic agent in diseases where zinc deficiency plays a role. Overall, maintaining adequate zinc levels is essential for health, and its supplementation can provide significant therapeutic benefits in various conditions.Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for human health, playing key roles in homeostasis, immune function, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and aging. Zinc deficiency is linked to various diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and aging. It can worsen clinical outcomes, impair immune function, increase oxidative stress, and promote inflammatory cytokine production. Zinc is vital for numerous biological processes, such as DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, cell division, wound healing, and reproductive health. Deficiencies in zinc are associated with conditions like anorexia, impaired hemostasis, reduced T-cell numbers, and developmental issues in fetuses and children. Zinc supplementation is effective in treating many diseases, including acrodermatitis enteropathica, Wilson's disease, acute diarrhea, chronic hepatitis C, and the common cold. However, excessive zinc intake can be toxic, so its levels must be carefully regulated. The recommended daily intake is 15 mg, with a tolerable upper limit of 25 mg. Short-term high-dose zinc therapy can restore immune function in certain conditions, while long-term physiological doses may lead to zinc accumulation and toxicity. Zinc's unique properties make it a promising therapeutic agent in diseases where zinc deficiency plays a role. Overall, maintaining adequate zinc levels is essential for health, and its supplementation can provide significant therapeutic benefits in various conditions.