Zinc: An element of extensive medical importance

Zinc is an element of great biological significance. Many biochemical processes cannot occur without zinc as it is required for large number of physiological functions. It plays an extensive role in protein functioning as they mostly contain zinc ion in reaction center. Zinc plays important role for the normal functioning of immune system and acts as ionic signalling in large number of cells. Various other functions like sensory stimulus, cognitive abilities, enzyme and protein transcription factors depend on zinc for their proper functioning. It helps in the treatment of large number of disease, including bacterial and viral infections. Despite vast importance, zinc is known to produce toxic effects rarely when present in excessive levels. Due to its rare toxicity, it is relatively considered non toxic, as it is an essential trace element . Its deficiency is wide spread which result in detrimental effects on growth, development, immunity, sexual health and alter large number of enzyme and protein functioning. The present review focuses on various aspects of zinc including recent advances in its biological role, treatment and its deficiency. A brief account on its toxicity is also included.