Zinc: An Undervalued Microelement in Research and Treatment

The review paper discusses the importance of zinc, the second most abundant trace element in the body, in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Zinc has antioxidant and immunomodulatory functions and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including skin conditions. A deficiency in zinc can lead to a range of symptoms including nonspecific skin lesions, alopecia, nail dystrophy, and systemic symptoms. The paper emphasizes the need for individual assessment of zinc levels considering risk factors for deficiency, clinical symptoms, diet, and laboratory analyses. Recent research has highlighted the systemic and topical benefits of zinc, suggesting its supplementation could be beneficial for many conditions.