The Biomedical Role of Zinc in the Functioning of the Human Organism

The 2014 article highlights zinc's critical role in human health, functioning as a key component or activator of over 300 enzymes and being present in all tissues. It is vital for bone mineralization, wound healing, insulin secretion, and immune response. Humans have 2-4 grams of zinc, mainly in bones and muscles, with a daily intake requirement that changes with age. Zinc balance is maintained by SLC30 (ZnT) and SLC39 (ZIP) protein families. Imbalances, such as deficiency or excess, can cause health problems like growth issues, immune dysfunction, and neurological disorders. The article also examines zinc's interactions with other elements and its deficiency's role in diseases like diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the importance of adequate zinc levels for health and the need for more research on trace elements.