Biochemical and clinical presentation of zinc deficiency

Lack of zinc has a variable effect upon the activities of the zinc containing tissue enzymes. Golden and Golden (1981a) note that overall the biochemical changes resemble those seen in essential amino acid deficiency (Table 1). 

The resultant pathology and eventual clinical presentation of signs and symptoms must have their origins in these biochemical lesions. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of various degrees of zinc deficiency are not understood. The presenting features are non-specific (Table 2). Rapidly dividing tissue cells such as those in the intestinal mucosa and in skin epithelium are sensitive to zinc depletion. 

SELECTED BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES AND OTHER LABORATORY INDICES IN EXPERIMENTAL ZINC DEFICIENCY. Abstracted from Prasad (1982) 

Alkaline phosphatase activity reduced in plasma - bone - intestine - kidney - stomach - 

Carbonic anhydrase activity - reduced in intestine - red cells 

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