Zinc

# What is zinc? Zinc is one of the most important trace elements and plays a central role in all growth, development and regeneration processes in the body. It is a cofactor of numerous enzymes and is involved in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA repair and cell protection against oxidative stress. The immune system is also dependent on sufficient zinc levels. Around 70% of the body's total zinc is stored in the bones, skin and hair. The rest is stored in the liver, kidneys and muscles. The bones are the most important reservoir for zinc in the body and can release zinc into the bloodstream when required. Zinc must be supplied in sufficient quantities through the diet. A zinc deficiency can lead to a weak immune system, skin changes, brittle nails, impaired wound healing, growth retardation and a reduced sense of taste. If the deficiency is compensated, the symptoms improve relatively quickly. An excess of zinc is very rare, but can occur if high doses of zinc supplements are taken uncontrolled over a long period of time. Signs of an overdose are headaches, nausea and tiredness. ## Examples of zinc-rich foods: > ## Zinc activates the immune system during colds > > Zinc has been shown to be particularly effective as a lozenge in numerous scientific studies. If people take 75 mg of zinc within the first 24 hours of noticing the first cold symptoms, the average duration of a cold is reduced by 30 percent. The reason: by sucking the zinc tablet, the zinc reaches the site of the infection directly, namely the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. In addition, the mucous membranes are moistened by sucking and form a better barrier against invading viruses and bacteria. Important: after a cold, the zinc intake should be reduced to a normal level of around 15 mg per day. # What do genetics have to do with it? We are investigating four genes for zinc metabolism: The IL6 gene (interleukin-6 gene) carries the blueprint for the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cells. The gene itself is regulated by various factors, including zinc. Zinc therefore plays a key role in the regulation of pro-inflammatory processes in the body and can inhibit the activation of the IL-6 gene. An adequate supply of zinc can help to reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases. - Variant rs1800795 of the IL6 gene: Genotypes G/G and C/G benefit healthwise from supplementary zinc supplementation. The C/C genotype apparently does not require additional zinc supplementation The CA1 gene (carbonic anhydrase 1 gene) carries the blueprint for the enzyme carbohydrate sulfotransferase 1 (CHST1) in the cells. Among other things, this enzyme ensures the release of zinc in certain areas of the brain (including the hippocampus), which are important for the formation of memory content and spatial orientation. Variants in the CA1 gene can lead to a disturbed zinc balance, which is associated with various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. - Variant rs1532423 of the CA1 gene: Genotypes A/A and A/G show an increased zinc level in the blood and a low risk of zinc deficiency. The G/G genotype shows a normal zinc level. The SLC30A3 gene (Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 3 gene) carries the blueprint for the transport protein ZnT-3 in the cells, which regulates the zinc content in the cell. Variants in the SLC30A3 gene can influence zinc metabolism and are associated with various diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease in the case of zinc deficiency. The neurological symptoms arise due to defective synapse formation in the brain, which is also dependent on adequate zinc levels. - Variant rs11126936 of the SLC30A3 gene: The genotypes T/T and G/T show an increased zinc level in the blood and a low risk of zinc deficiency. The G/G genotype shows a normal zinc level. The LINC01420 gene (long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1420 gene) carries the blueprint for special zinc transport proteins in the cells, which regulate zinc metabolism in the cell. Variants in the LINC01420 gene can therefore influence zinc metabolism and are associated with various diseases such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's in the event of a zinc deficiency. - Variant rs4826508 of the LINCO1420 gene: The genotypes T/T and C/T show an increased zinc level in the blood and a low risk of zinc deficiency. Genotype C/C shows a normal zinc level.