Describe zinc’s role in the body? What are significant sources of zinc?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Zinc supports the work of thousands of proteins in the body, such as the metalloenzymes, which participate in a variety of metabolic processes, and transcription factors, which regulate gene expression. In addition, zinc stabilizes cell membranes and DNA, helping to strengthen antioxidant defenses against free-radical attacks. Zinc also assists in immune function and in growth and development. Zinc participates in the synthesis, storage, and release of the hormone insulin in the pancreas, although it does not appear to play a direct role in insulin’s action. Zinc interacts with platelets in blood clotting, affects thyroid hormone function, and influences behavior and learning performance. It is needed to produce the active form of vitamin A in visual pigments and the retinol-binding protein that transports vitamin A. It is essential to normal taste perception, wound healing, sperm production, and fetal development.
Zinc is highest in protein-rich foods, such as shellfish (especially oysters), meats, poultry, milk, and cheese. Legumes and whole-grain products are good sources, if eaten in large quantities. Vegetables vary in zinc content depending on the soil in which they are grown