D. Zinc

Zinc (Introduction):
Zinc is a trace element which has preventive and curative properties that is essential for good health.
Although zinc is only required in trace amounts in our body, it plays a vital role in many bodily functions. It is present in the tissues, bones, cells, organs and physiological fluids. The highest amounts are found in the muscles, teeth, bones, prostrate gland & pancreas.

Role of Zinc and Immunity Functions:
Zinc is known to play an important role in the immune system and zinc deficient subjects may experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. It is shown that T cell functions were affected adversely even when the deficiency of zinc was mild in humans. The immunological consequences of zinc deficiency may be responsible for decreased cell mediated immune functions in zinc deficient subjects.

Zinc is an essential trace element, influencing growth and affecting the development and integrity of the immune system. Zinc deficiency 'at risk' groups could lead to public health interventions with nutritional doses of zinc supplements to prevent alteration of the immune system and improve resistance to infections.

Here are abstracts of medical articles obtained from PubMed.gov ( U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health):

Immunological effects of zinc deficiency in sickle cell anemia (SCA):
(Department of Medicine, Harper Grace Hospital, Detroit, Michigan)

Zinc deficiency occurs frequently in SCA subjects. Studies have shown that several parameters of cellular immune functions may be altered in SCA subjects and related to a deficiency of zinc. The changes in SCA were due to zinc deficiency. Although it is well known that susceptibility to infections is a common problem in SCA subjects, whether or not supplementation with zinc will alter the pattern of infection and decrease morbidity in SCA on a long-term basis remains to be determined.

Some information regarding the sickle cell disease:


(Sickle Cell Anaemia at Molecular Level)


(Sickle Cell Anaemia Discussion)

Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection
[AM J Clin Nutr, 1998]
Department of International Health, The Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.

It is clear that zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system, from the barrier of the skin to gene regulation within lymphocytes (white blood cells).
Zinc is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity such as neutrophils and natural killer cells.
The effects of zinc on these key immunologic mediators is rooted in the myriad roles for zinc in basic cellular functions such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, cell division, and cell activation. Zinc also functions as an antioxidant and can stabilize membranes.


Other Immunity Functions of Zinc:
Zinc performs a major role in the metabolism and healthy functioning of the senses.
Zinc is needed for cell reproduction, tissue growth and repair.
It increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection. It also increases killer cells that fight against cancer and helps white cells release more antibodies. Zinc supplements have been shown to impede the growth of cancer.
* Zinc has antioxidant properties and is essential for our immune system. As such, it guards against diseases and infection, and hastens the healing of wounds.
* Zinc is linked to DNA and RNA synthesis as it facilitates cell division.
* It also heals the nervous system.
* Moreover, zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to soothe rashes and heal wounds and cuts.
*Zinc increases the number of infection-fighting T-cells, especially in elderly people who are often deficient in zinc, and whose immune system often weakens with age. For infants and children, there is some evidence that dietary zinc supplements may reduce the incidence of acute respiratory infections.

Dietary Sources of Zinc:
Zinc cannot be synthesized in the body, so our only dietary sources of zinc are from our diet. Rich sources are oysters, nuts (like almonds), oil seeds, pulses, red meat, cereals, beans and dairy products. Small amounts of zinc are found in fruits and vegetables, including peas, potatoes and legumes. Absorption of zinc is aided by amino acids and peptides. The best source of zinc for infants and young children is zinc-fortified cereals.


Symptoms & Conseqeunces of Zinc Deficiency:
Maternal deficiency could influence critical events during pregnancy and fetal development, which may have teratogenic effect.
Lack of zinc has serious consequences; it can lead to neuro psychiatric disorders like dementia, depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's. Fatigue, tiredness, loss of appetite and even anorexia are symptoms of zinc deficiency, as it is responsible for appetite and taste. Other common symptoms are retarded growth and hormonal disorders. Lowered immunity leads to infections like colds and diarrhoea.

Zinc is essential for preventing and healing infections, maintaining a healthy brain, skin and reproductive system and boosting immunity. It has therapeutic uses in the treatment of prostrate disorders and skin problems like eczema and acne.

Note: Zinc is only required by the body in trace amounts so excess intake could lead to depletion of other minerals and toxicity. Hence, zinc suplementation should be taken only under medical supervision.

Citations:

Functions and Sources of Zinc
Deficiency Symptoms and Importance of an Essential Nutrient(Nita Mukherjee, 2010)
http://vitamins-minerals.suite101.com/article.cfm/functions-and-sources-of-zinc
Sources:
Abcvitaminslife.com, “The role of zinc in the human body”, (accessed February 24, 2010).
Stanford.wellsphere.com, “The importance of zinc to your body”, (accessed February 24, 2010).
Dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov, “Health professional fact sheet”, (accessed February 24, 2010).
Vitamins that heal-- Natural Immunity for better Health: H.K.Bakhru, Orient paperbacks, 1990.

Zinc and immunity, [Mol Cell Biochem, 1998]
Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Zinc and immune function, [Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002]
Immunological effects of zinc deficiency in sickle cell anemia (SCA), [Prog Clin Biol Res. 1989]
Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection, [Am J Clin Nutr. 1998]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9701160
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