The Role of Zinc in Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease

The document discussed the essential role of zinc in various metabolic and enzymatic functions, highlighting its deficiency in conditions like malabsorption syndromes, Crohn’s disease, alcoholism, and liver cirrhosis. Zinc deficiency ranged from mild to severe, with symptoms such as oligospermia, growth retardation, skin changes, alopecia, and even death in severe cases. Zinc was crucial for over 100 enzymes, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, and played a role in cell division, immunity, and protection against free radical injury. It competed with metals like cadmium and lead, suggesting potential therapeutic uses. The document suggested that zinc deficiency might contribute to symptoms of liver cirrhosis and called for further studies on zinc supplementation benefits.