How to find out which microelements are missing in the body? / "www.inthecity.ru"

It is amazing that in the 21st century, about 2 billion people on the planet are zinc deficient. You're especially likely to be one of them if you're over 50, diabetic, drink alcohol, vegetarian, take zinc-depleting medications, or have a bacterium in your digestive tract called Helicobacter pylori, which reduces stomach acid levels. necessary for the absorption of zinc.

The human body contains 2-3 grams (2000-3000 milligrams) of zinc.

Most of it is found in the adrenal glands, brain and eyes. Because most zinc is stored inside cells and not found in the blood, blood tests for zinc deficiency are notoriously inaccurate. And most doctors don't know about this!

On average, a person gets about 10 milligrams of zinc per day from food, but, at best, only 2-3 milligrams are absorbed. Foods fortified with zinc often do not affect the body’s supply of zinc, since the main problem of mineral deficiency is its poor absorption.

The situation is aggravated by the fact that modern medicine does not care about the deficiency of essential nutrients. Most doctors incorrectly teach that diet provides adequate nutrition; deal with each disease separately, without even trying to suggest that the ailment may be caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals.

Thus, the epidemic of zinc malnutrition continues unabated. And all the diseases associated with a deficiency of a vital mineral fill doctors' offices every day. Meanwhile, you can endlessly take medications for the heart, immunity, memory, etc., when just one tablet of a zinc drug could fix everything.

After all, zinc is a vital mineral for maintaining optimal health. Zinc is involved in the processes of cell reproduction, the functioning of the body's immune and antioxidant systems, regulation of metabolism and many other biological processes.

Why is zinc deficiency dangerous?

Common symptoms of zinc deficiency are: leaky gut syndrome, diarrhea, blindness (alcohol related), lack of appetite, loss of smell or taste, mental depression, weak immunity, hair loss, impotence, poor wound healing, acne, warts, mental dullness, dyslexia and growth retardation in children.

Severe zinc deficiency results in growth retardation in children, skin lesions, impaired wound healing, anemia, anorexia, visual impairment and even mental retardation.

• Metabolic processes in all organ systems. Zinc deficiency disrupts the activity of all zinc-containing enzymes and processes associated with increased cell growth and division (growth, regeneration, wound healing, spermatogenesis, DNA molecule stabilization), disrupts the exchange of proteins and nucleic acids, and reduces the overall level of energy processes.
• Embryonic development. Zinc deficiency is an unfavorable factor that has a teratogenic effect (developmental defects such as hydrocephalus, microophthalmia, heart defects, etc. can develop)
• The immune system. Zinc deficiency suppresses the immune system, which is manifested by frequent infectious diseases and impaired formation of immunity when children are vaccinated and is accompanied by a decrease in the mass of the thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and disruption of the normal formation of leukocytes and lymphocytes
• The cardiovascular system. Zinc deficiency is one of the causes of the development of chronic heart failure, coronary heart disease, and arterial hypertension.
• Digestive system. Zinc deficiency leads to the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastroduodenitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and biliary tract diseases.
• Sensory systems. Zinc deficiency is manifested by dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased sense of smell and taste, and can cause the development of cataracts.
• Endocrine system. Zinc deficiency disrupts the synthesis of insulin and hormones of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, prostate gland and testes.
• Nervous system. Zinc deficiency causes the development of depression and emotional lability, decreased concentration and memory, and peripheral neuropathies.
• Leather and its derivatives. Zinc deficiency disrupts the normal regeneration of epithelial cells and causes acne, seborrhea, alopecia, excessive sweating, psoriasis, and acrodermatitis enteropathica.
• Male reproductive system. Zinc deficiency slows down puberty, disrupts the process of spermatogenesis, reduces testosterone levels, and increases the risk of developing prostate adenoma.
• Female reproductive system. Zinc deficiency negatively affects all estrogen-dependent processes and is one of the causes of menstrual irregularities, ovulation, PMS, premature birth, toxicosis during pregnancy, and the birth of an immature fetus with a deficiency in weight or developmental defects.

Benefits of zinc for men, women and children

The role of zinc for the female body

It is estimated that more than 80% of the world's pregnant women do not get enough zinc, consuming an average of 9.6 mg of zinc per day, which is well below the recommended minimum daily intake levels during the last two trimesters of pregnancy in areas with low bioavailability levels zinc

Low zinc levels are correlated with preterm birth, low birth weight, growth restriction, and preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication that causes increased blood pressure, water retention, and protein loss in the urine. In studies of dietary zinc supplementation during pregnancy, it was found that the group taking zinc supplements had higher body weight and head circumference compared to the placebo group, and there were fewer pregnancy complications.

According to recent data, up to 30% of healthy women over 50 years of age have a zinc deficiency. Zinc is part of superoxide dismutase, which is involved in the regulation of lipid peroxidation. Therefore, superoxide dismutase is a key antioxidant enzyme. In addition, zinc is part of the genetic apparatus of the cell, representing about 100 zinc-containing nucleoproteins. It is necessary for the growth and division of all cells of the body, all regeneration processes, and is part of the structure of estrogen receptors, thus regulating all estrogen-dependent processes.

It was found that women with breast cancer have significantly increased levels of plasma lipid peroxidation, and prophylactic zinc supplementation for 10 years in premenopause significantly reduces the risk of developing this disease.

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It is important to note that this effect is significantly enhanced when zinc is taken along with b-carotene (provitamin A), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and a-tocopherol (vitamin E).

The role of zinc for the male body

Zinc is involved in spermatogenesis, testosterone synthesis, is part of superoxide dismutase, which neutralizes excess ROS, is responsible for the preservation of genes during spermatogenesis, ensures normal maturation and motility of sperm, optimal consistency and antibacterial activity of sperm plasma. The zinc content in sperm is very high – 1900 mcg/g. It is spermatozoa that are carriers of the zinc reserve necessary for the normal course of all phases of fragmentation of the fertilized egg, up to its fixation in the uterine cavity.

The role of zinc for children

Zinc is known to play a critical role in biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation and metabolism, and deficiency of this trace element impairs children's growth and weakens resistance to infection, which significantly increases morbidity and mortality in young children.

An analysis from one study found that a daily 10 mg dose of zinc for 24 weeks resulted in a net height gain of 0.37 (±0.25) cm among children receiving a zinc supplement compared with children who did not. such an additive. In addition, zinc supplementation may have a greater effect on the growth of stunted children compared to other children. Zinc supplementation alone has a greater effect on linear growth than zinc plus iron supplementation, possibly due to an interfering effect on zinc absorption or bioavailability.

Diagnosis of zinc deficiency

Most zinc is stored inside cells, making it difficult to detect a deficiency with a simple blood test. Thus, low blood levels of zinc indicate deficiency, but adequate blood levels of zinc are not necessarily a reliable indicator of micronutrient sufficiency.

Because plasma zinc levels do not correlate with zinc intake, such a test cannot be used to determine the effectiveness of zinc supplements.

Other tests for zinc deficiency include a urine test and a hair strand test to measure zinc levels.

Publications in the media

The body normally contains 1–2.5 g of zinc, found mainly in bone tissue, hair, skin, liver, muscle and testicles. 1/3 of zinc is reversibly bound to plasma albumin, and 2/3 is almost irreversibly bound to globulins. Zinc is also found in carbonic anhydrase in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Etiology • Increased need for zinc •• Pregnancy and lactation •• Rapid growth of the child •• Burns •• Extensive trauma • Increased excretion of zinc •• Diabetes •• Liver cirrhosis •• Kidney diseases •• Sickle cell anemia • Reduced absorption in the intestine •• Enteropathic acrodermatitis •• Crohn's disease •• Geophagy •• Chelating agents •• Intestinal parasites • Insufficient dietary intake •• Vegetarianism •• Long-term parenteral nutrition •• Breastfeeding •• Alcoholism.

Risk factors • Consumption of large amounts of milk • Poor social and living conditions.

Clinical picture

• Slight zinc deficiency •• “Night blindness” •• Weight loss •• Taste disturbances (rare).

• Moderate zinc deficiency •• All of the above symptoms •• Diarrhea •• Stunted growth •• Hypogonadism (especially in men) •• Mental retardation •• Anergy •• Acrodermatitis enteropathica •• Delayed wound healing •• Impaired glucose tolerance •• Violation of cellular immunity.

• Severe zinc deficiency •• All of the above symptoms •• Bullous dermatitis •• Dwarfism •• Emotional lability •• Tremor •• Ataxia •• Alopecia.

Laboratory tests • Reduction of plasma zinc levels • Zinc levels are more accurately determined in red blood cells or white blood cells, but these methods are expensive and not widely accepted.

Differential diagnosis • Congenital dwarfism • Hypotrophy • Hypogonadism • Retarded mental and physical development.

TREATMENT

Diet. Excessive intake of foods containing large quantities of plant products (for example, cereals) should be avoided.

Drug therapy • Drugs of choice •• Zinc sulfate 124 mg/day orally daily for 6–9 months •• Elemental zinc •• Adults - 4–6 mg daily, added to food during enhanced nutrition. With significant losses of zinc (for example, with burns, extensive injuries), the dose can be increased to 12 mg/day •• Children - 0.02–0.04 mg/kg/day (up to 24 mg/kg/day) with enhanced nutrition •• Preparations of vitamins and minerals - prophylactically during pregnancy and lactation • Complications. Irritation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, vomiting, gastritis).

Concomitant pathology • Sickle cell anemia • Alcoholism • Malabsorption syndrome • In elderly patients - diabetes, cirrhosis, long-term use of diuretics • Kidney diseases (nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure) • Long-term use of cytostatics, contraceptives • Systemic connective tissue diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE) .

Age-related characteristics • Zinc deficiency can cause growth retardation and impaired development of secondary sexual characteristics • In the elderly, zinc deficiency can cause “night blindness”, poor healing of wounds or chronic skin ulcers, taste disturbance • In elderly people living in nursing homes, possible nutritional deficiency of zinc • In people of reproductive age, zinc deficiency can cause the development of hypogonadism and infertility.

Pregnancy. Increased need for zinc; deficiency can cause spontaneous miscarriages.

ICD-10 • E60 Nutritional zinc deficiency • E83.2 Disorders of zinc metabolism

Zinc Supplements: Dosage

The recommended daily intake (RDA) for zinc is just 15 milligrams per day for adult men and 8 mg for women. However, this norm should definitely be increased for:

• older people, who usually have difficulty absorbing zinc;
• vegetarians;
• people infected with Helicobacter pylori, which turns off the secretion of stomach acid;
• people taking drugs that destroy zinc (ACE inhibitors, histamine blockers, diuretics, beta blockers, cortisone, estrogen, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Of course, in order not to experience a dangerous deficiency, you can look for foods rich in zinc. But frankly, other than oysters (about 74.0 mg of zinc per 90 grams), modern food cannot provide a person with enough micronutrients.

If there is a deficiency of the mineral, it is optimal to take 10-25 mg of zinc daily in the form of zinc-containing dietary supplements, for example, the drug ZINC AP from.

The drug ZINC AP was created to qualitatively replenish zinc deficiency in the body. The drug contains zinc citrate - one of the best sources of zinc in terms of bioavailability. 1 tablet of ZINC AP contains 12 mg of the mineral and regular intake of 1-2 tablets of ZINC AP per day will help maintain the body in an active, healthy state.

Why does the human body need zinc?

Zinc is a trace element that can be found in almost every cell of the human body. Mainly accumulates in bone, muscle and connective tissue, as well as in blood cells: erythrocytes and leukocytes.

Zinc is involved in more than 200 enzyme reactions. This figure is higher than any other mineral. Most enzymes are composed of protein and an essential trace mineral and vitamin. If an enzyme lacks a trace element or vitamin, it cannot perform its function efficiently.

Due to the central role of zinc in so many enzymes, a decrease in its levels affects almost all body systems.

List of some functions of zinc in the body:

• Zinc is involved in the activation of enzymes responsible for the construction and destruction of genetic material in the body.
• Zinc is essential for strengthening memory and concentration.
• Zinc is essential for the immune system. Even in old age, zinc restores the functions of the thymus gland, which controls the functioning of the entire immune system.
• Zinc promotes the growth process.
• Zinc is needed for wound healing.
• Zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Zinc prevents hair loss.
• Zinc is essential for the normal functioning of the testicles and prostate gland.
• Zinc slows down the aging process and prevents the development of cataracts.
• Zinc helps prevent cancer.
• Zinc neutralizes alcohol in the body.
• Zinc is necessary for the absorption of vitamins A, C and E.

Symptoms of micronutrient deficiency

Although only laboratory tests and examination by a doctor can accurately determine the imbalance of microelements, there are a number of signs of a lack of microelements in the body - frequent infections, weakened immunity, deterioration in appearance (problems of nails, skin or hair), irritability, drowsiness.

In addition, there are a number of manifestations that are associated with an imbalance of certain microelements.

• Excess weight, which is difficult to combat, is possible due to a lack of manganese, zinc or chromium.
• Digestive disorders are possible due to a lack of chromium or zinc.
• Disorders of the intestinal microbial flora can occur with zinc deficiency.
• Allergy to food – deficiency of zinc, selenium.
• Prostate dysfunction – deficiency of selenium, zinc, iodine.
• Increased blood sugar - problems with the supply of chromium, zinc, manganese, molybdenum.
• Brittle nails, split ends - deficiency of iron, zinc, copper.
• Hair loss – lack of zinc, selenium.
• Pigmentation on the skin – deficiency of copper, selenium or manganese.
• Acne on the face and body - lack of selenium, copper, zinc.

How to find out which microelements the body lacks

There are a number of laboratory tests that can determine both macronutrient deficiencies (calcium, magnesium, potassium) and micronutrient deficiencies. Blood, urine, nails, and hair are taken for testing. Spectral analysis of hair can quite accurately determine which microelements the body lacks.

How to take missing microelements correctly

Before taking complexes of vitamins with microelements, you need to consult a doctor and determine that all the problems of the body are precisely an imbalance of vitamins and minerals, and not any diseases. Source: Neuroendocrine disorders of human ontogenesis of environmental etiology and their restorative therapy. Kozhin A.A., Zhukov V.V., Popova V.A. Bulletin of new medical technologies. Electronic edition, 2021 No. 1..

Plant and animal foods high in zinc

Zinc is found in many plant foods

:

• Pumpkin seeds - 7.6 mg per 100 g.
• Cashew nuts - 5.4 mg per 100 g.
• Sunflower seeds - 5 mg per 100 g.
• Pine nuts - 4.1 mg per 100 g.
• Almonds - 3.4 mg per 100 g.
• Pistachios - 2.2 mg per 100 g.
• Beans (cooked) - 4.1 mg per 1 cup.
• Lentils - 2.5 mg per 1 glass.
• Tofu - 1.6-4 mg per 1 glass.
• Rye flour - 6.4 mg per 1 cup.
• Coarse wheat flour - 3.6 mg per 1 cup.
• Oatmeal (cooked) - 1.2 mg per 1 cup.
• Rice (boiled) - 1.2 mg per 1 glass.
• Boiled wholemeal pasta - 1.3 mg per 1 cup.

Zinc in animal products:

• Lean ground beef - 10.2 mg per 100 g.
• Chicken liver (boiled) - 4 mg per 100 g.
• Turkey meat (boiled) - 3.1 mg per 100 g.
• Oysters - 74 mg.
• Roast beef - 7 mg.
• Alaskan (king) crab - 6.5 mg.
• Beef cutlet - 3 mg.
• Lobster - 3.4 mg.
• Pork chop - 2.9 mg.
• Yogurt - 1.3 mg. for packaging.

In addition to the quantitative content of zinc in foods, it is important how effectively the body absorbs zinc from various foods.

What helps and what hinders the absorption of zinc in the body?

Coffee and tea interfere with the absorption of zinc (due to the caffeine contained in these drinks), calcium and copper reduce the absorption of zinc in the body.

Vitamin B2 increases the availability of zinc for the body. Vitamin B6 reduces the excretion of zinc from the body in urine. But vitamin B9 does not combine with zinc. Vitamin B9 affects the transport of zinc in the body and vice versa.

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It is recommended to soak grains, nuts, and seeds before consumption to improve the absorption of zinc:

Prevention of microelementosis

Replenishing your supply of essential microelements is not so difficult. It is important to pay attention to a balanced and varied diet, which should contain a lot of natural plant foods. In addition, physical activity, frequent exposure to fresh air and protection from stress are necessary.

Sources:

1. Neuroendocrine disorders of human ontogenesis of environmental etiology and their rehabilitation therapy. Kozhin A.A., Zhukov V.V., Popova V.A. Bulletin of new medical technologies. Electronic edition, 2021 No. 1.
2. Biological role and significance of microelements in human life. Kanzhigalina Z.K., Kasenova R.K., Oradova A.Sh. Bulletin of the Kazakh National Medical University, 2013 No. 5.