Zinc, infection and immune proliferation

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Doan Ngoc Quynh Tram - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

Zinc acts as a catalytic ion, structure and regulator of enzymes, proteins, and transcription factors. It is an important trace element by many mechanisms, including the immune system. Zinc supplementation restores the immune response, thereby reducing infection rates and prolonging patient survival.

Infections can be fatal in older adults because of a compromised immune response. A number of studies are underway to evaluate the role of zinc in the immune effect in aging, and also to identify the main biochemical pathways of zinc when fighting infections in the aging process. to better understand the possible causes of the immune phenomenon.
Preliminary conclusions suggest that zinc acts as a catalytic, structural, and regulatory ion for enzymes, proteins, and transcription factors. It is therefore an important trace element for many homeostatic mechanisms of the body, including immune responses. Zinc ions limit immune resistance to infections during aging. Physiological zinc supplementation for 1-2 months restores the decline in cell-mediated immunity common in aging, thereby reducing infection rates and prolonging patient survival. This approach may be appropriate in developing countries, where infection rates are high, because zinc supplements are inexpensive.

Overall, zinc is an important mineral for the body that both keeps the immune system strong, helps with wound healing and supports normal growth. Zinc deficiency is common in developing countries. In contrast, in developed countries, most diets provide more than the recommended level of zinc.
Some of the roles of zinc include:
Zinc reduces the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Some studies have found that zinc lozenges can reduce the duration of colds by at least 1 day, as well as reduce the number of upper respiratory tract infections in children. While zinc helps fight infections and heal wounds, if you're already getting enough zinc from your diet, taking supplements isn't necessarily more beneficial. Zinc topical is used to treat diaper rash and skin irritation. Zinc has also been shown to help with ulcers, acne, sickle cell anemia, and other conditions. In addition, zinc has also been studied for the treatment of herpes, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, etc. However, there is not enough conclusive evidence about the benefits of zinc for these conditions. Zinc may aid in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, but more research is needed on its effectiveness. Health care professionals may recommend zinc supplements for people with zinc deficiency, such as vegans, alcoholics, strict dieters, or certain digestive problems (diseases). Crohn's,...).

Infants and young children: 0 - 6 months: Not more than 4 mg/day. 7 months - 3 years: 3 mg/day and not more than 5-7 mg/day. 4 - 8 years old: 5 mg/day and not more than 12 mg/day. 9-13 years old: 8 mg/day and no more than 23 mg/day. Adolescents: 14-18 years old: 9 mg/day and not more than 34 mg/day. 19 years and older: 8 mg/day and no more than 40 mg/day. In particular, men 14 years of age and older need to supplement 11 mg of zinc per day.
Pregnant women: 14 - 18 years old: 12 mg/day 19 years old and older: 11 mg/day Lactating mothers: 14 - 18 years old: 13 mg/day 19 years old and older: 12 mg/day The above consumption includes both the amount of zinc you get from natural foods in your daily diet and supplements. Do not take more than above unless your doctor tells you to.

Side effects: Zinc supplements can cause stomach and mouth irritation. Zinc lozenges can alter your sense of smell and taste for a few days. Long-term zinc intake can reduce copper levels in the body. Nasal sprays containing zinc carry the risk of temporary or even permanent loss of smell. Interactions: Zinc can interact with certain medications such as birth control pills, antibiotics, supplements such as calcium, magnesium, copper, and iron. Risks: People who are allergic to zinc, have HIV, or have hemoglobinopathy should not take zinc supplements without consulting their doctor. Too much zinc can cause fever, cough, nausea, decreased immune function, mineral imbalance, cholesterol changes, and other problems. In pregnant women, high doses of zinc can harm the unborn baby.

To avoid stomach irritation, prioritize zinc in your food from zinc-rich food sources, including:
Red meat Poultry Oysters Grains Legumes and seeds In addition, symptoms of severe zinc deficiency including: growth retardation, primary hypogonadism, impaired taste and smell, impaired immunity and resistance to infection, dermatitis (typically erythematous, scaly lesions, blisters or pustules in the perianal and anal areas), diarrhea and hair loss...
In summary, zinc acts as a catalytic, structural and regulatory ion for enzymes, proteins as well as transcription factor is therefore an important trace element for many body homeostasis mechanisms, including immune responses.
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References: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, webmd.com, mayoclinic.org