What is Zinc?

Zinc is one of the most commonly used metallic elements and is also abundantly available on the surface of Earth. It is represented by the symbol Zn and is the first element in group 12 of the periodic table. Zinc is obtained from Earth in the form of Zinc ore (also called sphalerite) and is subjected to processes like froth flotation of the ore followed by roasting. Zinc is extracted from this roasted ore by passing electricity through it.

 

Zinc is an element of utmost utility and importance to man be it for health, improving life and also producing durable utilities. The common examples of places where Zinc is used are in preparing Brass (an alloy of Zinc and Copper) which is used very extensively. It also finds its use in batteries, galvanizing of steel to make it resistant to corrosion and a host of other zinc compounds which find their use in dietary and health supplements, shampoos, deodorants, paints and in chemical labs for experiments.

 

Not just this, Zinc is an essential mineral for the human body and is found to exist in meat, seafood and other protein rich foods like breads, cereals and beans. What Zinc really does in our body is that it helps to prepare proteins and nucleic acids and supports a host of bodily activities that depend on enzymes. It also ensures proper growth of organs in the human body and overall development by regulating how enzymes work inside the body. Further it helps in fast healing of wounds and provides adequate immunity to the body. So what really happens in the case of Zinc deficiency in the body? The answer is that Zinc deficiency leads to several complications like lack of immunity, retarded growth and development of body organs, hyper sensitive You do not have access to view this node, hair loss and weakness.

 

Zinc deficiency is also observed in people who live in underdeveloped countries or poor conditions, in alcoholics, people with kidney disorders and also in vegetarians to an extent as their average diet does not contain rich sources of Zinc. In such conditions, doctors generally prescribe Zinc supplements which typically contain Zinc in the form of Zinc Sulphate. The intake of Zinc should be moderate and taken only as long as deficiency exists since overloading the body with this mineral also leads to several complications. Excessive Zinc in the body causes poor iron absorption in the body causing anemia and has been proven to cause damage to the stomach walls due to corrosion with the acids in the stomach. Zinc is also said to be toxic causing a certain condition known as Zinc toxicosis which is fatal and occurs when coins or objects coated with Zinc are swallowed or licked unintentionally.