Zinc Flashcards
whats the body distribution of zinc?
2-3g
where is zinc mainly located in the body?
liver, muscle, bone
where is there a small amount of zinc in the body?
eye and prostrate gland
what is brass an alloy of?
copper/zinc
what releases zinc to albumin and transferrin for transport to the rest of the body?
metallothionein
zinc is a constituent of how many enzymes?
60
what are the functions of zinc?
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
what does zincs function as a constituent of 60 enzymes do?
CO2 carrier, synthesis of DNA/RNA, breaks down alcohol
what does zinc do with its function in the synthesis of DNA/RNA?
zinc fingers (transcription), makes protein
what does zinc do with its function of skin integrity?
prevents dermatitis
when does zincs function of improving wounds work?
when zinc status is poor
why is zinc necessary for taste?
zinc proteins in saliva
what does zinc do with its function of mobilizing vitamin A from the liver?
zinc is component of retinol-binding protein, growth and differentiation of tissues
what does zinc do with its function in reproduction and growth?
bound to RNA as stabilizer (influences protein synthesis), if deficiency during pregnancy - not maintained or fetal malformation
what does zinc do with its function of preventing toxicity of other metals?
competition for absorption, lead and copper
what happens with a zinc deficiency?
impaired growth, lack of sexual maturation in males, dermatitis, hair loss
what happens in early pregnancy with zinc deficiency of impairments in growth?
fetal malformation, miscarriage
what happens in late pregnancy with zinc deficiency of impairments of growth?
retarded growth; decreased DNA and stress tolerance, increased aggression; impaired avoidance conditioning
what happens in childhood with a zinc deficiency in impairments of growth?
retarded growth
what happens in adolescence in zinc deficiency with impairments of growth?
retarded growth, delayed sexual maturation in males
what is zinc essential for in the brain?
development and functioning of brain, zinc dependent enzymes and neurotransmitters play a role in the central nervous system, may in turn affect cognition
what can zinc deficiency in animals lead to?
structural malformations in the brain, changes in enzymes and proteins important for neurotransmitters, behavioral problems (reduced attention, memory, ability to learn)
what did human studies in zincs link to cognition say?
emerging research on human models supports a beneficial role for zinc in human cognitive development and functioning
what are the details of zinc deficiency in older adults?
ages 65-90; dietary zinc linked to cognitive function, low levels of zinc in blood and brain tissues or patients with alzheimer’s
what are the details of zinc and the common cold?
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)
whats the RDI for zinc?
M (11 mg)
W (8 mg)
whats the difference in zinc absorption from beef to cereal?
much higher absorption with beef
what are the main food sources of zinc?
all protein foods except egg white; meats, oysters, legumes (poor availability)
