Zinc is an essential trace element that ensures the normal functioning of the human body. It is found in absolutely all human fluids and tissues. Given the small reserve reserves and the fact that zinc is excreted from the body along with waste products through the excretory system, it is necessary to constantly supply this microelement with food, or in the form of vitamin and mineral complexes. Indeed, with a lack of zinc, the normal functioning of human organs and systems is not possible.
The role of zinc in the human body
Zinc is one of the most important components of cellular tissues and enzymes, and its deficiency leads to disruption of many functions of the human body:
- immune disorders are observed;
- hematopoietic functions are disturbed;
- the rate of tissue regeneration decreases;
- protein production suffers;
- the rate of cell division decreases;
- failures occur in the transmission of impulses in the central nervous system;
- fats are produced in insufficient quantities;
- the exchange of nucleic acids occurs with disturbances;
- the time of neutralization of toxic substances increases;
- the structure of bone tissue and tooth enamel is disturbed;
- the birth process can take place with complications;
- possible incorrect effect on the body of certain hormones.
And this is not all the possible pathologies that occur with zinc deficiency. For the normal functioning of all human organs and systems, approximately fifteen milligrams of zinc daily is sufficient.
Note: in pregnant women, breastfeeding, athletes, vegetarians, this need is slightly increased.
Causes of zinc deficiency in the body
Zinc deficiency occurs for a number of reasons:
- In digestive diseases, in which zinc from food is not fully absorbed, or not absorbed at all (, sprue).
- As a result of surgical interventions, with short bowel syndrome, with the imposition of anastomosis between the ileum and jejunum (jejunal).
- When a person gets carried away, vegetables get a large amount of phytate, which binds zinc molecules and prevents this important trace element from being absorbed into the body.
- Excessive alcohol consumption, starvation, cancer, age-related changes in metabolism lead to a similar situation.
- Severe, extensive burns and various injuries can also trigger a zinc deficiency.
The list of causes of zinc deficiency in the body also includes frequent, general overwork of the body or mental overstrain. The risk zone includes lovers of salty, sweet, coffee lovers. Provoke a low level of the microelement in question in the body can also be taken by certain medications - from the group of corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, diuretics, and calcium. As a rule, in combination with a lack of zinc, the body is also deficient in other trace elements, which leads to very serious consequences.
Symptoms and diagnosis of zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency is quite difficult to diagnose, since various organs, tissues and systems suffer as a result of this disorder. The symptoms of this condition include:
Treatment for zinc deficiency in the body
Treatment of zinc deficiency is carried out both with medical methods and with the help of a special diet. Foods such as red meat, organ meats, eggs, and seafood are high in cysteine and histidine. These amino acids activate the processes of zinc absorption by the human body. The use of legumes, nuts, mushrooms, sesame, pumpkin seeds is also recommended. Hard cheeses, bran, sprouted cereals, soy, brown rice are very useful.
Plant products, in addition to zinc, contain phytic acid, which forms insoluble compounds with it, but in the process of yeast fermentation, phytins are completely removed.
Note:when grinding cereals, almost all the zinc present in them is lost. Therefore, only whole grain baking is suitable for a diet, and preferably with the addition.
There is not so much zinc in food products, so treatment with one diet without medication will obviously not be enough.
Zinc-containing therapy is usually prescribed: Zinketral, Zinkit, zinc picolinate, zinc sulfate and many others. In the treatment of skin lesions, zinc-ichthyol, zinc-naftalan ointments (pastes), and other topical agents containing zinc are recommended. Eye drops based on zinc sulfate are used.
Note:throughout the entire period of treatment, the use of alcohol is strictly prohibited and it is highly recommended to limit the use of coffee.
To prevent the appearance of zinc deficiency in the body, it is necessary to establish a good diet with the use of foods containing zinc. It is also periodically necessary to conduct a course of taking vitamin-mineral complexes (Multitabs, Duovit). But before taking any preventive measures, it is worth visiting a doctor and determining the level of zinc in the body - the intake of this microelement in large quantities will also have a negative effect on health.
