Soon after the discovery of zinc deficiency in the 1960s, it became clear that zinc is an essential element for the functioning of the immune system.
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Zinc is involved in the functioning of immune cells and helps the body regulate both innate and adaptive immune responses — the processes by which the body fights infectious agents.
The amount of the trace element in the body is well controlled with the help of special proteins that help zinc move to the right places and maintain balance.
Zinc
Zinc is involved in many processes of cellular metabolism. It is essential for the catalytic activity of hundreds of enzymes and plays an important role in many functions of the body, including the functioning of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. In addition, zinc has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and helps maintain the integrity of tissue barriers, including the epithelium of the respiratory tract.
Zinc deficiency negatively affects immune function by inhibiting the production, activation, and maturation of lymphocytes. It also reduces the ratio of T-helper to T-suppressor cells, interleukin-2 production, and the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. In addition, zinc deficiency is associated with increased levels of proinflammatory mediators.
These changes in the immune response likely increase the risk of developing infectious diseases and inflammatory processes, especially in the respiratory system.
Studies have shown a link between low zinc levels and an increased risk of viral infections. People with zinc deficiency are more likely to have diarrhea and respiratory illnesses. Low zinc levels are also common in patients with HIV and hepatitis C, and are considered a risk factor for pneumonia in the elderly.
Some studies suggest that taking zinc supplements may increase the number of T-lymphocytes in the blood of older people living in long-term care facilities.
Although severe zinc deficiency is relatively rare, it is estimated that a portion of the population has only marginally adequate zinc intake. Elderly people are particularly at risk of low intake.
The relationship between zinc and the immune system is quite complex, as zinc affects immune function in four different ways.
- Zinc intake and absorption depend on dietary composition, age, and health status.
- Zinc is a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes that participate in the functioning of various organs and, therefore, indirectly affects the immune system.
- Zinc directly affects the formation, maturation, and function of leukocytes.
- Zinc affects the function of immunostimulants used in experimental studies.
The human body cannot produce zinc, like other microelements, so it is necessary to consume it regularly.
Foods rich in zinc include:
- Beef
- shrimps
- pumpkin seed
- Enriched cereals
The benefits of zinc lie in the proper functioning of the biological processes in which it is actively involved:
- Normal functioning of the immune system
- Wound healing
- Bone growth and development
- Production of hormones, including insulin and testosterone
- Sperm production
- Normal fetal development
Additionally, zinc is essential for maintaining the senses of smell and taste.
The recommended daily dose of zinc varies more or less from person to person:
- Adult men – 11 mg/day
- Adult women – 8 mg/day
- Pregnant women – 11 mg/day
- Breastfeeding women – 12 mg/day
What happens during zinc deficiency?
Possible symptoms of zinc deficiency include:
- Prolong wound healing
- Oral mucosal injuries
- Loss of taste and smell
- Skin lesions
- hair loss
- Decreased immune response
- Diarrhea
Zinc deficiency in children can cause:
- Growth retardation
- Frequent infections
- Diarrhea
However, these symptoms can also be associated with other diseases and nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, the most reliable way to confirm zinc deficiency is to have a laboratory test to measure zinc levels in the blood.
How does zinc work in the body?
Common Cold
Researchers suggest that zinc may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms by directly inhibiting the attachment and replication of rhinovirus (the most common cause of colds) in the nasal mucosa, as well as reducing inflammatory processes.
Pneumonia in children
Low levels of zinc in the body are associated with:
- With an increased risk of developing pneumonia
- With a more severe course of the disease
- With a higher mortality rate
Diarrhea and gastroenteritis in children
Zinc plays an important role in maintaining the gastrointestinal system and immune function. It helps protect the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, improves the absorption of water and electrolytes, and participates in the body's defenses against infections.
Studies have shown that zinc deficiency is associated with more frequent episodes of diarrhea, more severe diarrhea, and longer recovery times, as both intestinal barrier function and immune response are compromised. Therefore, adequate zinc levels are important for gastrointestinal health and protection against infections.
HIV infection
HIV infection affects zinc absorption and metabolism. In addition, frequent diarrhea and chronic inflammatory processes in HIV-infected patients can be additional causes of zinc loss, as a result of which they often have low zinc levels.
Although zinc is an essential micronutrient for the body, excessive intake can be harmful to health. Caution is especially important when using zinc supplements for a long time and in high doses.
Possible side effects of excessive zinc intake:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain and spasms
- Diarrhea
- headache
- Metallic taste in the mouth
Taking high doses for a long period of time May cause:
- Copper deficiency
- Anemia
- Decreased immune system function
- Lowering levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL)
- Impaired absorption of some medications, including antibiotics
Zinc interactions with medications
Zinc supplements may affect the absorption and effectiveness of some medications, and certain medications may reduce zinc levels in the body. Therefore, it is important to follow the advice of a doctor or pharmacist when using zinc supplements.
- Antibiotics
Zinc may reduce the absorption of some antibiotics, especially tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones. For this reason, it is recommended to keep an interval of several hours between taking zinc and these drugs. - Penicillamine
Penicillamine, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some other conditions, is absorbed less effectively when taken with zinc. The drug and zinc supplements should be taken at different times. - Thiazide diuretics (Diuretics)
With prolonged use, thiazide diuretics may increase the excretion of zinc in the urine, leading to a decrease in its levels in the body. - Copper containing Preparations
High doses of zinc and prolonged use may reduce copper absorption, increasing the risk of copper deficiency over time.
Recommendation
When taking medications for a long period of time, before starting to take zinc or any other supplement, it is necessary to consult a doctor and, in case of deficiency, check the concentration of various microelements or nutrients in the body.
source
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11115789/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ImmuneFunction-HealthProfessional/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5748737/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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