The role of zinc in the prevention of gastrointestinal cancer

Healthy people with a well-rounded diet need about 11 mg of zinc per day. Zinc is found in meat, nuts and chickpeas and chickpeas. Recent findings suggest that zinc supplementation can significantly inhibit the proliferation of gastrointestinal cancer cells, specifically esophageal cancer.

Zinc is much more familiar due to its industrial use than because of its role in the human body. Cream is a metal that acts as a micronutrient in the body and is one of 11 "trace" minerals that the body needs in very small doses to maintain health.
In the body, zinc binds to proteins, forming metalloenzymes that regulate the body's metabolic function. Zinc plays an important role in many bodily processes such as growth, tissue repair and wound healing, various functions of the immune system, and the senses of taste and smell. Zinc is found in many foods, with oysters and other shells topping the list, followed by bran of many grains, nuts, beans and red meat. On the other hand, poultry, eggs and dairy products have less zinc. But because the recommended amount of zinc for men is only 11 mg per day, nearly all people get enough from food, even without supplementation.
Zinc deficiency occurs in some remote areas, resulting in growth retardation, testicular failure and impotence, impaired taste sensation, hair loss, immune disorders and a host of other problems. other topic.
Doctors have used zinc tablets or lozenges to treat the common cold and improve the sense of taste and smell. Ointments containing zinc make excellent sunscreens, blocking out nearly all harmful ultraviolet rays.
Ointments containing zinc are also used to help heal wounds and help patients recover from ulcers caused by prolonged lying. Side effects of zinc are rare, but extremely high doses can lead to low HDL cholesterol levels, immune disorders, gastritis, and other trace mineral deficiencies, like copper.

According to the US National Cancer Institute, esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in humans worldwide. The institute estimates that there were nearly 16,000 deaths from esophageal cancer in the United States in 2016. The median 5-year survival rate is less than 20%.
According to a new study published by the authors at the University of Texas (Arlington), zinc supplementation can significantly inhibit the proliferation of esophageal and upper gastrointestinal cancer cells. .
Previous studies have shown that zinc is essential for maintaining human health and protecting the body from esophageal cancer. However, scientists previously did not fully understand why zinc has the ability to prevent cancer in the esophagus.

In this study, the team at the University of Texas found that zinc only suppressed the growth of cancer cells but not normal esophageal epithelial cells. And zinc is an important element in proteins and enzymes, and without it, cells cannot function properly. In addition, zinc interferes with overactive calcium signaling in cancer cells and thereby selectively inhibits cancer cell growth.
The authors add that, if you don't eat enough zinc, it can lead to the development of cancer and other diseases. The results of this study may provide a better regimen for the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer.

Articles refer to sources: sciencedaily.com, health.harvard.edu, NCBI