Zinc and immune function

It is well recognized that zinc is an essential trace element, influencing growth and affecting the development and integrity of the immune system. Research has begun to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of zinc on the immune function. It is clear that this trace element has a b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of clinical nutrition 2002-08, Vol.56 Suppl 3 (S3), p.S20-S23
Main Author: Dardenne, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Apoptosis
Apoptosis - drug effects
Cell activation
Clinical nutrition
Cytokines
Cytokines - biosynthesis
Cytokines - immunology
Diagnosis
Diet
Dietary Supplements
Embryonic and Fetal Development
Evaluation
Female
Health aspects
Health promotion
Humans
Immune response
Immune system
Immunity - drug effects
Immunity - physiology
Immunology
Infection - immunology
Male
Molecular modelling
Nutrient deficiency
Nutrition
Nutritional Status
Peptides
Pregnancy
Public health
Thymus
Trace elements
Trace elements (nutrients)
Zinc
Zinc - administration & dosage
Zinc - deficiency
Zinc deficiency diseases
Zinc in the body
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Summary:It is well recognized that zinc is an essential trace element, influencing growth and affecting the development and integrity of the immune system. Research has begun to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of zinc on the immune function. It is clear that this trace element has a broad impact on key immunity mediators, such as enzymes, thymic peptides and cytokines, explaining the paramount importance of zinc's status on the regulation of lymphoid cell activation, proliferation and apoptosis. Ongoing and future studies regarding the immunological status of zinc deficiency 'at risk' groups could lead to public health interventions with nutritional doses of zinc supplements to prevent alteration of the immune system and improve resistance to infections.
ISSN:0954-3007
1476-5640
DOI:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601479