Our bodies contain approximately 2 to 3 grams of zinc, which is distributed throughout the body. Zinc is important component of over twenty enzymes associated with many different metabolic processes. The higher concentrations of zinc are found in the eyes, liver, bones, prostate, semen, and hair.
Functions and Uses Growth and Reproduction
Perhaps the critical role zinc plays is in the synthesis of the nucleic acids RNA, DNA, which are essential for cell division, cell repair, and cell growth. So, zinc is needed for reproduction, for growth and development. Another study has linked poor zinc levels with complications during pregnancy, and with miscarriage and birth defects.
Study has also found large percentages of children to be deficient in zinc. This child showed symptoms of suboptimal growth, in addition to a loss of taste acuity and poor appetite. Then their zinc intake was increased, the symptoms improved. Animal study and human study of children and adults suggest that lethargy, passivity, and apathy are symptoms of marginal zinc deficiency, since these behavioral problems improve with zinc supplementation.
The Eye
The highest concentrations of zinc in the human body are found in the eye, especially the iris retina. Although the exact mechanisms of its functions are largely unknown, zinc seems to be involved in the activation of vitamin A, so is a factor in night vision. There is a growing body of evidence that indicates that poor zinc intake is related to such eye conditions as impaired color discrimination; cataract formation; optic neuritis, the inflammation of the optic nerve.
Hormone Levels
Zinc has been shown to inhibit the production of prolactin, a pituitary hormone, so is used therapeutically in men and women with abnormally high prolactin levels. Elevated prolactin levels can lead to distressing effects such as secretion of breast milk, enlarged breasts, sexual dysfunction.
Supplements
Zinc is available as individual supplements, as part of many multivitamin and multimineral formulas.
Since zinc supplements combine elemental, pure zinc with other compound, when buying supplements you must consider the amount of elemental zinc, which is commonly listed on the product label. Example, 80 milligrams of zinc gluconate usually contain 10 milligrams of elemental zinc, and 220 milligrams of zinc sulfate supply 50 milligrams of elemental zinc.
