Zinc Health Dictionary

A trace element that is essential for normal growth, the development of the reproductive organs, normal functioning of the prostate gland, healing of wounds, and the manufacture of proteins and nucleic acids in the body. Zinc also controls the activities of more than 100 enzymes and is involved in the functioning of the hormone insulin.

Particularly rich sources of zinc include lean meat, wholemeal breads, whole grain cereals, dried beans, and seafood.

Zinc deficiency is rare. Most cases occur in people who are generally malnourished. Deficiency may also be caused by any disorder that causes malabsorption; acrodermatitis enteropathica; or by increased zinc requirements due to cell damage (for example, as a result of a burn or in sickle cell anaemia). Symptoms of deficiency include impairment of taste and loss of appetite; there may also be hair loss and inflammation of the skin, mouth, tongue, and eyelids. In children, zinc deficiency impairs growth and delays sexual development.

Prolonged excessive intake of zinc may interfere with the intestinal absorption of iron and copper, leading to a deficiency of these minerals.

Zinc compounds, such as zinc oxide, are included in many preparations for treating skin and scalp disorders.

A metal, several salts of which are used in medicine for external application. It is essential for growth and development in animals and plants. The average human body contains a total of 1– 2 grams, and most human diets contain 10–15 mg. In human beings, de?ciency of zinc results in lack of growth, slow sexual development and ANAEMIA. De?ciency is also associated with a skin disorder known as acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Uses Zinc chloride is a powerful caustic and astringent which, combined with zinc sulphate, is used as an astringent mouthwash. Zinc sulphate is also used in the form of eyedrops in the treatment of certain forms of conjunctivitis (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF).

Zinc oxide, zinc stearate, and zinc carbonate are made up in dusting powders, in ointments, in paste bandages or suspended in water as lotions for the astringent action they exert upon abraded surfaces of the skin. Zinc and castor oil ointment of the British Pharmacopoeia is a well-tried treatment for nappy rash.

Zinc undecenoate is used as an ointment and as a dusting-powder in the treatment of RINGWORM.

n. a *trace element that is a cofactor of many enzymes: it is important in the immune response and has structural properties in some proteins. Deficiency is rare with a balanced diet but may occur in alcoholics and those with kidney disease; symptoms include lesions of the skin, oesophagus, and cornea, alopecia, and (in children) retarded growth. The adult RNI (see Dietary Reference Values) is 9.5 ?g/day for men and 7.0 ?g/day for women (an additional 6 ?g is needed during lactation). Symbol: Zn.