Zinc on Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells.
Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to bring to light the effects of zinc deficiency
on the human body. It showed that zinc deficient patients had severe immune
dysfunctions, the worst cases showing patients dying of incurrent infections by
the age of 25.
Methods:
This study followed patients in the Middle East, as well as monitored cell
development in experimental human models. Results were taken from a combination
of human and experimental human model findings.
Results:
The experimental human model of zinc deficiency showed decreased testosterone,
oligospermia (semen with a low concentration of sperm), severe immune
dysfunctions as well as neurosensory disorders and decreased lean body mass.
(Prasad 2008). Cognitive impairment and growth retardation were found and
attributed to zinc deficiency in developing nations, along with the immune
dysfunctions previously noted. Zinc dependent enzymes and transcription factors
were also adversely affected by a deficiency of the trace element.
Commentary: In
other words, Zinc deficiency is more prevalent in developing nations, where
there may be less variety of food available, and fortified grains such as those
found in American cereal are impossible to access. The effects of this
deficiency are appearing mostly within the first 25 years of life, when, in
extreme cases, people do not make it past this benchmark. The effects of zinc
deficiency are causing physical growth retardation, immune dysfunction, as well
as cognitive impairment. This means that all aspects of a person’s life are
affected by this micro mineral. These results have appeared in real life
studies, including those done in the middle east, as well as in cell cultures
in the lab.
Prasad, A. (2008). Zinc in human
health: Effect of zinc on
immune cells.
US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, 14(5-6),
353-357. doi:
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