Zinc - Vital Information

Definition and Word Origin: A general internet search states that zinc (Zn) is a chemical element that is a component of brass and used for coating steel and iron to prevent corrosion.  It is a silvery-white metal and has an atomic number of 30. Discovered in the mid-17th century, its name comes from the German word Zink or zin which means tin.

History and Discoveries: In the periodic table, it is the first element in group number 12. The ion of magnesium and zinc (Zn) is chemically similar with common oxidation state of +2. The element has 5 stable isotopes and the 24th most abundant metal in Earth’s crust.

Decades and centuries ago before it was discovered, its ores were used for creating brass composition. Its ores were also used for wound and sore eye treatment. By the 13th century, the metal was known in India as a newly discovered element, the fifth of all metals ever to be discovered.  Its metal is used to produce brass while ZnO is used for medicinal purposes.

The isolation was obtained in India in 1300 A.D. Metal of this kind was produced in Europe and was first imported in India at around 1600 C.E. Anton von Swab a Swedish chemist, purified this metal coming from calamine four years before Marggraf did.
However, Andreas Marggraf was given credit for the first isolation of pure zinc (Zn). Marggraf heated a combination of charcoal and calamine in a closed vessel (without copper) to get a metal. This technique has been considered as commercially practical since 1752.

Health Benefits:
It is one of the most important element giving lots of benefits to humans and animals. The element belongs to the transition metals of group 12 in the periodic table. Being an essential element to living organisms particularly to humans, it is responsible for several functions in the human body.

The recommended intake of the element is 11 milligrams per day for men while 8 mg/day for women is advised.  A deficiency of this element is said to be one of the causes of childhood deaths around the world. Lower consumption is also known to cause disease and illnesses. People with lower levels of Zn are more prone to health risks.

It is an essential element because it can properly synthesize DNA.  It also promotes healthy growth for children and is significant in developing a healthy and strong immune system. Listed below are the stated health benefits:  

• Regulation of immune functions.

• The metal activates the T cells that the body needs. Perhaps, you are wondering what T cells are for. T cells help the body attack cancerous and infected cells. It also controls immune responses.

• Diarrhea Treatment.

• Diarrhea kills millions of people around the world per year. Zn in pill form is said to be a great cure for diarrhea. It can actually prevent the latter from happening. Intake of Zn tablets for 10 days consecutively can stop stomach problems.

• Learning and Memory.

• Zn controls the way the body’s neurons communicate with one another; this situation affects how people gain knowledge and how their memories are formed.

• Common cold treatment.

• Zn syrup and lozenges are proven to shorten the duration of common cold by up to about 40%.  It can likewise reduce its severity. 

• Wound healing.

• This metal can be applied to wounds as it is said to be a good healing agent. Zn decreases the fungal or bacterial growth and at the same time decreases inflammation of the wound.

• Preventing vision loss.

• Zn helps in delaying vision loss and prevents the cells in the retina from being damaged.

Other health benefits:

• ZnSO4 is a great treatment for acnes.

• It also prevents Osteoporosis.

• It helps in preventing Pneumonia.

Food Sources:
This metal can be found in a variety of foods namely:

• Cooked Oysters

• Beef and Lamb

• Dark chocolate

• Peanuts

• Veal Liver

• Crab

• Pork loin

• Beef patty

• Lobsters

• Spinach

• Cashew Nuts

• Mushrooms

• Cocoa

• Beans

• Squash Seeds

• Wheat germ

Warning against food with Zn:

• Oysters, lamb, cheese and liver are foods high in cholesterol. Eat in moderate quantity and people with history of heart diseases should avoid these.

• Sesame seeds, squash or pumpkin seeds and peanuts are high in calorie foods.

• Zn supplements are not compatible when taken together with antibiotics and Pennicillamine. 

Lack of intake of this dietary element may lead to several diseases and illnesses such as anemia, impaired growth, diarrhea, slow healing of wounds, hair loss, and may more.

However, those who have high levels of Zn intake may also suffer from the following illnesses:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Stomach pains

The Production of Zn:
Nyrstar (a merger of Australian OZ minerals and others) is the world’s largest producer of Zn. Zn is the 4th most common metal in use with a production of about 12 million tons per year. The top five (5) countries with tons of this metal production are the following:

• China – with 3.5 million production

• Peru – with 1.5 million production

• Australia – with 1.4 million production

• India – with 750 thousand production

• United States – with 720 thousand production

Industrial Uses:
ZnO is used as white pigments in paint. It may also be a catalyst in the production of rubber. ZnO may also be used as a heat disperser of rubber and protects it from the UV rays (Ultraviolet Radiation). It is also useful for photocopying products.

ZnCl2, on the other hand, is sometimes added to lumber as fire retardant (a substance in which delays the combustion of fuels). It is also used as a wood preservative and used to make other metals such as Zn methyl.

However, ZnS is commonly used in luminescent pigments such as Television screens and fluorescent paints. Crystals of ZnS are used in lasers.
Its powder is often used as a propellant in model rockets.

[The information contained in this article is believed to be reliable. I have taken every precaution to verify its accuracy; I am not a medical professional and make no warranties, representations or guarantees of any kind as to its accuracy. Medical knowledge is in a constant state of change, and what I have written here may be out of date by the time you read it. The information that I have provided here is for informational purposes only and not for use in diagnosing any condition that you may or may not have. Always consult with you doctor before treating yourself.]