Zinc supplementation and its effects on growth, immune system, and diabetes

Abstract

Zinc has catalytic, structural and regulatory functions and is a component of many enzymes. Skin lesions, anorexia, growth retardation, hypogonadism, immune suppression function are the symptoms caused by zinc deficiency. This review aims to present the structural and metabolic zinc functions, emphasising the consequences of zinc deficiency and the aspects that justify the studies on zinc supplementation, affecting growth, immune system and diabetes. Considering that some diseases predispose the organism to zinc deficiency, supplementation, either in isolation or in conjunction with other elements, demonstrates benefits, specifically in improved growth rate, immune system function, reduced respiratory infections and diarrhoea control. In diabetic patients, zinc supplementation has been associated with the variables in metabolic control and the concentrations of plasma and erythrocyte zinc. In populations at risk, Zinc supplementation strategies should be implemented, taking into consideration the adequacy of doses intake.