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- Title
Zinc: The Metal of Life.
- Authors
Kaur, Kuljeet; Gupta, Rajiv; Saraf, Shubhini A.; Saraf, Shailendra K.
- Abstract
The importance of zinc was 1st reported for Aspergillus niger. It took over 75 y to realize that zinc is also an essential trace element for rats, and an additional 30 y went by before it was recognized that this was also true for humans. The adult body contains about 2 to 3 g of zinc. Zinc is found in organs, tissues, bones, fluids, and cells. It is essential for many physiological functions and plays a significant role in a number of enzyme actions in the living systems. Bioinformatics estimates report that 10% of the human proteome contains zinc-binding sites. Based on its role in such a plethora of cellular components, zinc has diverse biological functions from enzymatic catalysis to playing a crucial role in cellular neuronal systems. Thus, based on the various published studies and reports, it is pertinent to state that zinc is one of the most important essential trace metals in human nutrition and lifestyle. Its deficiency may severely affect the homeostasis of a biological system. This review compiles the role of zinc in prophylaxis/therapeutics and provides current information about its effect on living beings.
- Subjects
PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of zinc; ZINC; ZINC analysis; ASPERGILLUS niger; BIOINFORMATICS
- Publication
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science & Food Safety, 2014, Vol 13, Issue 4, p358
- ISSN
1541-4337
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/1541-4337.12067