Clinical Aspects of Trace Elements: Zinc in Human Nutrition – Zinc Metabolism

Although zinc has been the most intensely studied trace element, much remains to be learned about its metabolism. Little is known about the normal mechanisms of absorption and transport across the intestinal tract. In addition, numerous unknowns surround the intricacies of bodily zinc homeostasis. Part two of this five-part review presents current views on the normal intestinal absorption, intracellular and extracellular metabolism, transport, excretion and homeostasis of zinc in the human body. The alterations in zinc metabolism that occur with age and changing physiological conditions are also discussed