Zinc

Question 1

whats the body distribution of zinc?

Answer 1

2-3g

Question 2

where is zinc mainly located in the body?

Answer 2

liver, muscle, bone

Question 3

where is there a small amount of zinc in the body?

Answer 3

eye and prostrate gland

Question 4

what is brass an alloy of?

Answer 4

copper/zinc

Question 5

what releases zinc to albumin and transferrin for transport to the rest of the body?

Answer 5

metallothionein

Question 6

zinc is a constituent of how many enzymes?

Answer 6

60

Question 7

what are the functions of zinc?

Answer 7

constituent of 60 enzymes, maintains integrity of skin, improves wound healing (with poor zinc status), necessary for taste, mobilizes vitamin A from liver, essential for reproduction and growth, helps prevent toxicity of other minerals

Question 8

what does zincs function as a constituent of 60 enzymes do?

Answer 8

CO2 carrier, synthesis of DNA/RNA, breaks down alcohol

Question 9

what does zinc do with its function in the synthesis of DNA/RNA?

Answer 9

zinc fingers (transcription), makes protein

Question 10

what does zinc do with its function of skin integrity?

Answer 10

prevents dermatitis

Question 11

when does zincs function of improving wounds work?

Answer 11

when zinc status is poor

Question 12

why is zinc necessary for taste?

Answer 12

zinc proteins in saliva

Question 13

what does zinc do with its function of mobilizing vitamin A from the liver?

Answer 13

zinc is component of retinol-binding protein, growth and differentiation of tissues

Question 14

what does zinc do with its function in reproduction and growth?

Answer 14

bound to RNA as stabilizer (influences protein synthesis), if deficiency during pregnancy - not maintained or fetal malformation

Question 15

what does zinc do with its function of preventing toxicity of other metals?

Answer 15

competition for absorption, lead and copper

Question 16

what happens with a zinc deficiency?

Answer 16

impaired growth, lack of sexual maturation in males, dermatitis, hair loss

Question 17

what happens in early pregnancy with zinc deficiency of impairments in growth?

Answer 17

fetal malformation, miscarriage

Question 18

what happens in late pregnancy with zinc deficiency of impairments of growth?

Answer 18

retarded growth; decreased DNA and stress tolerance, increased aggression; impaired avoidance conditioning

Question 19

what happens in childhood with a zinc deficiency in impairments of growth?

Answer 19

retarded growth

Question 20

what happens in adolescence in zinc deficiency with impairments of growth?

Answer 20

retarded growth, delayed sexual maturation in males

Question 21

what is zinc essential for in the brain?

Answer 21

development and functioning of brain, zinc dependent enzymes and neurotransmitters play a role in the central nervous system, may in turn affect cognition

Question 22

what can zinc deficiency in animals lead to?

Answer 22

structural malformations in the brain, changes in enzymes and proteins important for neurotransmitters, behavioral problems (reduced attention, memory, ability to learn)

Question 23

what did human studies in zincs link to cognition say?

Answer 23

emerging research on human models supports a beneficial role for zinc in human cognitive development and functioning

Question 24

what are the details of zinc deficiency in older adults?

Answer 24

ages 65-90; dietary zinc linked to cognitive function, low levels of zinc in blood and brain tissues or patients with alzheimer’s

Question 25

what are the details of zinc and the common cold?

Answer 25

one study found lozenges decreased length of colds by 50% but no effect on fever, zinc as zinc gluconate was effective in 400 subjects but not zinc acetate, other studies show its no more effective than placebo (sugar pill)

Question 26

whats the RDI for zinc?

Answer 26

M (11 mg)

W (8 mg)

Question 27

whats the difference in zinc absorption from beef to cereal?

Answer 27

much higher absorption with beef

Question 28

what are the main food sources of zinc?

Answer 28

all protein foods except egg white; meats, oysters, legumes (poor availability)