Zinc plays an important role in various biochemical pathways. Deficiency of zinc can affect several organ systems, which includes the gastrointestinal, integumentary, skeletal, central nervous system, immune, and reproductive systems. This article will discuss metabolism of zinc and also a few of the ailments that are associated with zinc deficiency.

The recent findings of certain studies have shown that zinc deficiency can result in dysfunction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity and can also increase the susceptibility to various infection. Supplementation of zinc has been shown to decrease the occurrence of infection besides cellular damage from increased oxidative stress. Also, zinc deficiency is associated with acute and chronic liver disease. Supplementation of zinc provides protection against toxin-induced liver damage. It is also used as a treatment for hepatic encephalopathy in patient’s refractory to regular standard treatment. Zinc deficiency has also been associated in diarrheal disease. Supplementation of zinc has shown to be effective in both prophylaxis and treatment of acute diarrhoea.

This article summarizes the several roles of zinc in the body, with a beneficial effect on zinc deficiency in certain diseases. Supplementation of zinc might be beneficial as an adjunct to treatment of several disease conditions.

Source: Tuerk MJ, Fazel N. Zinc deficiency. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2009;25(2):136-143. doi:10.1097/MOG.0b013e328321b395