Zinc — a small mineral without which immunity falls apart?

Aim of the study: Zinc deficiency is commonly overlooked in developed countries and occurs in infants, children, and adolescents during critical periods of growth. This review aims to present the evidence on zinc deficiency and toxicity, as well as treatment in children.

Results: Over the last decade, the importance of zinc deficiency for childhood growth, illness, and death has been recognized through a number of large-scale supplementation trials in underdeveloped countries. Recognition of the recent nationwide shortage of injectable zinc for supplementation in total parenteral nutrition over the last 2 years focused attention on the possibility of zinc deficiency in the United States.

Aim of the study: Vegan diets, which exclude animal products and all their by-products, have grown in popularity, especially over the last decade. However, this type of diet has not been adequately evaluated in the scientific literature. This study aimed to investigate whether vegan diets in European populations provide adequate nutrition and how their macro- and micronutrient intakes compare with World Health Organization recommendations.

Results: In terms of macronutrients, vegan diets provide less protein than all other types of diet. Veganism is also associated with low intake of vitamins B2, niacin (B3), B12, and D, as well as iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium, and selenium. Vitamin B12 intake among vegans is significantly lower (0.24–0.49 μg, compared with the recommendation of 2.4 μg), and calcium intake in most vegans was below the recommended level (750 mg/d). No significant differences in fat intake were observed. Vegan diets are not associated with deficiencies in vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and E, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, or folate, and they have a low glycemic load. Following a vegan diet may result in deficiencies in micronutrients (vitamin B12, zinc, calcium, and selenium), which should not be ignored. However, low intake of micro- and macronutrients is not always associated with health problems. People who follow a vegan diet should be aware of the risk of potential dietary deficiencies.

Aim of the study: Zinc and selenium are essential trace elements involved in important (patho)physiological processes. The prevalence and prognostic implications of zinc and selenium deficiency in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) remain unknown.

Results: Among 309 ACLD patients (median age: 57 [IQR: 50–64], MELD: 11 [IQR: 9–16], HVPG: 17 [IQR: 11–20]), 73% (227) and 63% (195) were deficient in zinc and selenium, respectively. Patients with decompensated ACLD (dACLD) had significantly lower serum zinc levels (median: 48 [IQR: 38–59] vs. 65 [IQR: 54–78] in compensated ACLD (cACLD), p < 0.001) and selenium levels (median: 4.9 [IQR: 4.0–6.2] vs. 6.1 [IQR: 5.1–7.3] in cACLD, p < 0.001). Significant correlations between zinc/selenium levels and MELD (zinc: ρ = -0.498, p < 0.001; selenium: ρ = -0.295, p < 0.001), HVPG (zinc: ρ = -0.400, p < 0.001; selenium: ρ = -0.157, p = 0.006), and mechanisms driving liver disease (IL6, bile acid homeostasis) were found. In multivariable analysis, low zinc/selenium levels, age, and MELD remained independently associated with LRE. Zinc and selenium deficiencies are common in ACLD patients, especially those with higher MELD and HVPG. Low zinc and selenium levels independently predicted hepatic decompensation and liver-related death.

Aim of the study: Malnutrition is a major factor in the causes, management, and prognosis of persistent diarrhea in young children. In addition to inadequate energy intake, deficiencies in several specific nutrients have been implicated.

Results: However, diarrhea increases the risk of deficiency because it is associated with variable, and sometimes substantial, increases in zinc loss in the stool. These losses could contribute to a vicious circle, as there is now evidence that both mild and severe zinc deficiency can contribute to the duration and severity of diarrheal disease. During rehabilitation, poor zinc nutrition could be responsible for slow growth, especially if the rehabilitation diet is high in phytate, a known inhibitor of zinc absorption. Research should focus on better understanding zinc metabolism and balance during diarrheal disease, the consequences of zinc deficiency, and the benefits of zinc supplementation programs.

Aim of the study: Over the past two decades, zinc has been established as essential for humans. Zinc deficiency in humans due to nutritional factors and several disease states has been recognized.

Results: The effect of zinc on protein synthesis may be due to its vital role in nucleic acid metabolism. The activity of many zinc-dependent enzymes has been shown to be adversely affected in zinc-deficient tissues. Zinc atoms in some enzyme molecules participate in catalysis and also appear to be essential for maintaining the structure of apoenzymes. Zinc also plays a role in stabilizing biomembrane structure and polynucleotide conformation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aim of the study: Zinc is an essential trace element involved in a wide range of metabolic processes required for tissue growth and repair, and is also necessary for maintaining the body's defenses. Zinc deficiency can result from inadequate dietary intake, decreased intestinal absorption, and increased losses through the gastrointestinal tract, urine, and sweat.

Results: The clinical signs of zinc deficiency may be pronounced, with dermatitis, alopecia, and diarrhea, or may involve chronic changes such as dwarfism and hypogonadism. Alternatively, the signs may be barely noticeable, such as slow growth and reduced taste. As with all nutritional deficiencies, its possible presence must be considered before a diagnosis can be made. It is not known how severe zinc deficiency must be, or how long it must be present, before the characteristic rash appears. However, since biochemical changes caused by zinc deficiency occur before any clinical changes, metabolic processes are likely to have been affected before the rash signals the presence of zinc deficiency.

Aim of the study: Zinc is an essential micronutrient involved in many physiological processes in the human body, including immune system regulation, cellular survival, neurological function, and erythropoiesis. Zinc deficiency can lead to a wide range of clinical symptoms, including impaired immune function, skin problems, and reduced growth.

Results: It also outlines groups at increased risk of zinc deficiency, including patients with chronic kidney disease, sickle cell disease, malabsorption disorders, long-term proton pump inhibitor use, and older adults. Emerging evidence suggests that anemia associated with zinc deficiency may be a potentially modifiable contributing factor in anemia among certain at-risk groups, although the strength of the evidence varies across clinical settings and study designs. Assessment of zinc status may be considered in patients with unexplained or treatment-resistant anemia and additional risk factors for deficiency. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of zinc deficiency in anemia and to define appropriate screening, supplementation, and monitoring strategies.