Role of Zinc in Mucosal Health and Disease: A Review of Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Processes

May 2020 in “ Cureus ”

Abbas M. Hassan, Kahmalia-Kalee Sada, Suvetha Ketheeswaran, Arun K Dubey, Malpe Surekha Bhat

zinc zinc deficiency hair loss immune function intestinal epithelium regeneration mucosal health

TLDR Zinc is vital for immune health, growth, and preventing diarrhea.

This review highlighted the essential role of zinc in human health, particularly in mucosal health and disease. Zinc was found to be crucial for the development and growth of organisms, modulating resistance to infections, and reducing the severity and duration of diarrheal diseases by enhancing intestinal epithelium regeneration and immune response. Zinc deficiency led to impaired immune function, growth retardation, and various health issues such as diarrhea, hair loss, and delayed wound healing. The study critically examined the molecular and genetic regulation of zinc, its impact on diarrheal disease, and the consequences of zinc deficiency, emphasizing the importance of adequate dietary zinc intake.

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