zinc
[zingk] a chemical element, atomic number 30, atomic weight 65.37, symbol Zn. (See Appendix 6.) It is a trace element in the diet, a component of several enzymes, including DNA and RNA polymerases and carbonic anhydrase. It is abundant in red meat, shellfish, liver, peas, lentils, beans, and rice. A well-balanced diet assures adequate intake of zinc. Those who may suffer from zinc deficiency include persons on a strictly vegetarian diet and those who are on a high-fiber diet. In the latter case, the zinc is bound to the fiber and is eliminated in the feces without having been absorbed through the intestinal wall. Poor absorption of zinc also can occur in persons with chronic and severe bowel disease. The recommended daily intake is 12–15 mg for an adult. A severe deficiency of zinc can retard growth in children, cause a low sperm count in adult males, and retard wound healing. Signs of a deficiency include anorexia and a diminished sense of taste. An excessive intake of zinc (usually in those who work with the metal or breathe its fumes) can either cause
pneumoconiosis or interfere with the body's use of copper and other trace elements, producing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other signs of intestinal irritation.
zinc acetate a salt used as an astringent and styptic.
zinc chloride a salt used as a nutritional supplement in total
parenteral nutrition and applied topically as an
astringent and a desensitizer for dentin.
zinc oxide a topical astringent and skin protectant; also a
sunscreen.
zinc stearate a powder of zinc in a compound with stearic and palmitic acids; used as a water-repellent skin protectant in dermatoses.
zinc sulfate a topical
astringent for mucous membranes, especially those of the eye.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
zinc (Zn),
(zingk), A metallic element, atomic no. 30, atomic wt. 65.39; an essential bioelement; a number of salts of zinc are used in medicine; a cofactor in many proteins.
[Ger. Zink]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
zinc
A metallic element (atomic number 30; atomic weight 65.39) which is an essential daily requirement. Zinc plays a key role in growth and development, and is required by more than 200 metalloenzymes, including DNA- and RNA-polymerases, carbonic anhydrase, carboxypeptidase, reverse transcriptase, as well as by zinc-finger proteins involved in gene expression. Zinc is stored in synaptic vesicles and is a synaptic neuromodulator, acting in the hippocampus to induce depolarising synaptic potentials. The recomended daily allowance (RDA) of zinc is 5–15 mg/day (normal range 70–120 µg/dL).
Dietary source
Seafood, red meat wheat germ, veal sesame seeds, pumpkin and squash seeds, chocolate and peanuts. ± 20% of dietary zinc is absorbed, the process of which is enhanced by protein-rich foods (animal proteins, brewer’s yeast, legumes, nuts, pumpkin seeds, seafood, whole grains); ±90% is excreted in faeces.
Toxicology
Zinc-laden fumes and dusts are generated in the manufacture of alloys, paints, synthetic rubbers and roofing materials.Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
zinc
(zingk) A metallic element, atomic no. 30, atomic wt. 65.39; an essential bioelement; a number of salts of zinc are used in medicine; a cofactor in many proteins.
[Ger. Zink]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
zinc
A metallic element required in small quantities for health. Deficiency is rare but may occur in people with certain MALABSORPTION conditions, with ANOREXIA NERVOSA, DIABETES, severe burns, prolonged feverish illness, severe malnutrition in childhood and in alcoholics. Zinc deficiency is associated with atrophy of the thymus gland and depressed cell-mediated immunity, skin atrophy, poor wound healing, loss of appetite, persistent diarrhoea, apathy and loss of hair. A normal diet contains plenty of zinc but a small zinc supplement is said to shorten the duration of the common cold.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
zinc
(zingk) A metallic element and essential bioelement; many salts are used in medicine; a cofactor in many proteins.
[Ger. Zink]
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012
Patient discussion about zinc
Q. If an alcoholic consumes zinc, will he be safe? Hi! While reading through the medical journal, I came to know that if an alcoholic consumes zinc, will he be safe?
A. Approximately 30%–50% of alcoholics have low zinc status because ethanol consumption decreases intestinal absorption of zinc and increases urinary zinc -
excretion-http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16099027?dopt=Abstract
zinc is a necessary mineral you need for the immune system, brain function and other systems of the body.
Q. If an alcoholic consumes zinc, will he be safe? Hi! While reading through the medical journal, I came to know that if an alcoholic consumes zinc, will he be safe?
A. I am glad that you are regularly updating the medical journals. Consumption of zinc is a safe and effective means of affording protection from alcohol induced tissue injury. Zinc deficiency is an underlying feature of alcohol abuse.
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