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 tr act. 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 extracell ular metabolism, transport, excretion and homeostasis of zinc in the h uman body. The alterations in zinc metabolism that occur with age and changing physiological conditions are also discussed.