Zinc deficiency humans

The techniques used to obtain these data and to define the extended model of zinc metabolism are Important to define changes In zinc metabolism In both normal and pathological states and are particularly useful as an aid In definition of zinc deficiency. Human zinc deficiency has been difficult to Identify because Its symptoms are complex and variable (, 8-11) ranging from Impairments of taste and smell to skin rash and dwarfism. There Is presently no adequate clinical test for the diagnosis of zinc deficiency In humans, which further complicates Its Identification. Zinc content In serum, plasma, red blood cells,urine, saliva or hair have proven Inadequate for specific diagnosis of Individual cases of zinc deflclency(6,8-12). 

The chloride and chromate are also important compounds. Zinc is an essential element in the growth of human beings and animals. Tests show that zinc-deficient animals require 50 percent more food to gain the same weight as an animal supplied with sufficient zinc. 

The lack of zinc can also be a problem in biological systems and is responsible for disease states. For example, nitric oxide-dependent apoptosis can be induced in motor neurons by zinc-deficient SOD, and in some cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, zinc-deficient SOD may participate in this type of oxidative mechanism involving nitric oxide.969 One form of hereditary human hair loss or alopecia was mapped to a specific gene and a mutation found in affected individuals. The gene encodes a single zinc finger transcription factor protein with restricted expression in the brain and skin.970 Zinc has been implicated in Alzheimer s via beta amyloid formation, and a role has been attributed for the cerebral zinc metabolism in the neuropathogenesis of Alzheimer s disease.971... 

The balance between excess and insufficient zinc is important. Zinc deficiency occurs in many species of plants and animals, with severe adverse effects on all stages of growth, development, reproduction, and survival. In humans, zinc deficiency is associated with delayed sexual maturation in adolescent males poor growth in children impaired growth of hair, skin, and bones disrupted Vitamin A metabolism and abnormal taste acuity, hormone metabolism, and immune function. Severe zinc deficiency effects in mammals are usually prevented by diets containing >30 mg Zn/kg DW ration. Zinc deficiency effects are reported in aquatic organisms at nominal concentrations between 0.65 and 6.5 pg Zn/L of medium, and in piscine diets at <15 mg Zn/kg FW ration. Avian diets should contain >25 mg Zn/kg DW ration for prevention of zinc deficiency effects, and <178 mg Zn/kg DW for prevention of marginal sublethal effects. 

Casey, C.E. and K.M. Hambidge. 1980. Epidemiological aspects of human zinc deficiency. Pages 1-27 in J.O. Nriagu (ed.). Zinc in the Environment. Part II Health Effects. John Wiley, NY. 

Falchuk, K. 1988. Zinc deficiency and the E. gracilis chromatin. Pages 75-91 in A.S. Prasad (ed.). Essential and Toxic Trace Metals in Human Health and Disease. Alan R. Liss, NY. 

Parada, R. 1981. Zinc deficiency in molybdenum poisoned cattle. Vet. Human Toxicol. 23 16-21. 

Human food, both plant and animal, usually contains satisfactory amounts of zinc to cover the requirement for this metal, which is present within the range of few to several pg per g of product. Zinc deficiencies are usually caused by a reduction of its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract rather than by its lack. Reduction in absorption may be caused by antagonistic activity of cadmium, calcium or phytates. A decrease in assimilation of zinc is also observed among alcoholics. 

A deficienqf of zinc in humans will retard growth, both physically and mentally, and contribute to anemia. It is present in many foods, particularly proteins (meat). A balanced diet provides an adequate amount of zinc. Not more than 50 milligrams per day of dietary zinc supplement should be taken, given that high levels of zinc in the body are toxic. Human bodies contain about two grams of zinc. A deficiency of zinc can cause a lack of taste and can delay growth as well as cause retardation in children. 

There is some evidence that camosine supplementation can restore sense of taste in humans. A report from Japan states that polaprezinc (a zinc-carnosine complex) is frequently effective in treating patients experiencing taste disorders (Ikeda et al., 2005). Experiments with zinc-deficient rats showed that polaprezinc was effective in restoration of taste bud proliferation (Hamano et al., 2006). 

From a nutritional viewpoint, Cu2+ competes with zinc ion, as does the very toxic Cd2+. The latter accumulates in the cortex of the kidney. Dietary cadmium in concentrations less than those found in human kidneys shortens the lives of rats and mice. However, some marine diatoms contain a cadmium-dependent carbonic anhydrase.11 Although zinc deficiency was once regarded as unlikely in humans, it is now recognized as occurring mider a variety of circumstances0 p and is well-known in domestic animals.01 Consumption of excessive amounts of protein as well as alcoholism, malabsorption, sickle cell anemia, and chronic kidney disease can all be accompanied by zinc deficiency. 

Dwarfism -roleofhGH [HORMONES - HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE] (Vol 13) -torn zinc deficiency [MINERAL NUTRIENTS] (Vol 16)... 

Zinc was confirmed as essential for humans in 1936 and deficiency symptoms were reported in l%l. The size of ihe human fetus is correlated with zinc concentration in the amnintic fluid and habitual low zinc intake in the pregnant female is thought to he related (o several congenital anomalies in humans. Low zinc intakes result in hypogonadism, dwarfism. mental retardation, low serum and red blood cell zinc in humans and animals, and retarded growth and teratogenic effects on the nervous system in rats. 

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