Review Article
Year: 2017 | Month: Aug | Volume: 7 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 462-467
Importance of Zinc in Human Diet
Shraddha Soni1, Ashutosh Chaturvedi1, Jai Prakash Singh2
1Research Scholar, 2Associate Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda,
Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Corresponding Author: Shraddha Soni
ABSTRACT
It is well recognized that zinc is an essential trace element, influencing growth and affecting the development and integrity of the immune system and many more physiological functions in human body. Social and economic conditions can adversely affect dietary choices and eating patterns and it cause many kinds of health problems because of low nutritional level. It is clear that this trace element has a broad impact on key immunity mediators, such as enzymes, thymic peptides and cytokines, explaining the paramount importance of zinc’s status on the regulation of lymphoid cell activation, proliferation and apoptosis. The total amount of Zn in the human adult has been estimated to be approximately 2 g. More than 80% of this is found in bone, muscle, hair and skin, and a large number of enzymes require Zn for maximum catalytic activity, e.g., alcohol dehydrogenate, RNA nucleotidyltransferase and alkaline phosphates. So it plays a major role in human body to continue a healthy active life. In this study here we are going to discuss how zinc affect health and how it works for immunity, nervous system, taste acuity (mainly in elderly),for healthier bone and wound healing.
Key words: Zinc, Human diet.