Affiliations: InterHealth Research Center, Benicia, CA, USA | Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University
Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Debasis Bagchi, Ph.D, FACN, CNS,
Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University Medical Center, 2500
California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA. Tel.: +1 925 202 3018; Fax: +1 402 280
1883; E-mail: debsis@creighton.edu
Abstract: Although a large number of transition metals and cations remarkably
induce oxidative deterioration of biological macromolecules including lipids,
proteins and DNA, the trace element zinc acts as a novel dietary supplement and
an essential micronutrient, and serves a wide range of biological functions in
human and animal health. Zinc promotes antioxidant and immune functions,
stabilizes and maintains the structural integrity of biological membranes, and
plays a pivotal role in skin and connective tissue metabolism and repair. Zinc
is an integral constituent of a large number of enzymes including antioxidant
enzymes, and hormones including glucagon, insulin, growth hormone, and sex
hormones. High concentrations of zinc are found in the prostate gland and
choroids of the eye. Zinc deficiency leads to biochemical abnormalities
including the impairments of growth, dermal, gastrointestinal, neurologic and
immunologic systems. Given its superior bioavailability, antioxidant and
immune-enhancing properties, zinc methionine may serve as a novel dietary
supplement to promote health benefits in humans and animals.
