Zinc Health advantages and protective benefits

摘要

Although zinc ores such as calamine (zinc carbonate and/or silicate) have been well known in the Western world for a long time now, metallic zinc only began to be smelted and used starting in the 17~(th) century. The fundamental importance of zinc for the human organism was first recognized in 1963. At that time, three entire enzymes were known that require zinc as a cofactor. Today we know of over 300 enzymes and over 1000 transcription factors that rely on zinc in order to function~1. Zinc cannot be stored by the body in sufficient quantities, therefore a constant supply through the diet or through dietary supplements is required~2. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, a strictly vegetarian diet or alcohol abuse can additionally increase the zinc deficiency of the body~3.