ALL ONE Vitamins

Zinc

Zinc has long been known to be a vital component of over 200 enzyme systems, as well as being responsible for releasing vitamin A from the liver by converting beta carotene to vitamin A. Zinc’s function as an antioxidant was first proposed in 1990. There are two distinct mechanisms by which it functions as an antioxidant. The first is the protection of proteins and enzymes against free radical attack, or oxidation. The zinc molecule in zinc-containing enzymes was found to act as an antioxidant and protect specific regions of the enzyme from free radical attack, thus preserving its stability and activity. The second mechanism by which zinc functions as an antioxidant is through the prevention of free radical formation by other metals, such as iron and copper. Zinc may safeguard red blood cell membranes against oxidative effects of other minerals such as copper or iron. When zinc, instead of iron or copper, is incorporated into proteins, free radical generating reactions that may otherwise occur are inhibited. One area of growing interest is the role of zinc as an antioxidant in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the brain. Compared to other soft tissues, the human brain contains significant amounts of zinc. Among the essential trace elements, zinc is second only to iron in total concentration in the brain.