Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 42 : Zinc

Introduction

Zinc is an important mineral, which is essential for protein synthesis and helps to regulate the production of immune cells in the body. It is mainly found in the muscles. Zinc is also found in high concentrations in red and white blood cells, the retina of the eye, bones, skin, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Zinc is one of the constituents in semen. In men, the prostate gland and semen store high amounts of zinc. The entire body of a normal man weighing 70 kg may contain 1.4 to 2.3 g of zinc. Zinc is present in small amounts in all tissues. The bones, teeth, and pancreas contain slightly higher amounts of zinc than other tissues. Whole blood contains about 0.7 mg/100ml, while blood serum or plasma contains 0.1mg/100ml.