El zinc en la salud humana - II

Abstract

Zinc is a divalent cation with multiple functions in the human body. Zinc absorption occurs in the small intestine and is, together with its excretion via faeces, the point of control for zinc homeostasis. Zinc is an essential nutrient with a specific role in more than 300 enzymes which participate in all important biochemical reactions of the human body. Therefore, zinc status has a direct effect in growth, neurological and behavioural development and in the immune system. The diagnosis of zinc deficiency in individuals is not yet possible given that there still is no indicator with adequate sensitivity. Nevertheless, it is acceptable to use serum zinc levels to evaluate populations. Finally, intervention strategies such as supplementation, food fortification and/or dietary modification can be used to control and/or prevent zinc deficiency.