ADVISORY

NOTE #10.2
THE IMPORTANCE OF ZINC FOR
HUMAN HEALTH
Issue 2: January 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents
THE IMPORTANCE OF ZINC FOR HUMAN HEALTH ________________________________________ 1
Introduction ____________________________________________________________________________ 1
Zinc in the Human Body __________________________________________________________________ 1
Zinc Deficiency __________________________________________________________________________ 2
References _____________________________________________________________________________ 2

This Advisory Note is intended to keep readers abreast of current issues and developments in the field of galvanizing. The Galvanizers
Association of Australia has made every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate, however its accuracy, reliability or
completeness is not guaranteed. Any advice given, information provided or procedures recommended by GAA represent its best
solutions based on its information and research, however may be based on assumptions which while reasonable, may not be applicable
to all environments and potential fields of application. Due and proper consideration has been given to all information provided but no
warranty is made regarding the accuracy or reliability of either the information contained in this publication or any specific
recommendation made to the recipient. Comments made are of a general nature only and are not intended to be relied upon or to be
used as a substitute for professional advice. GAA and its employees disclaim all liability and responsibility for any direct or indirect loss
or damage which may be suffered by the recipient through relying on anything contained or omitted in this publication.
ADVISORY NOTE #10.2

THE IMPORTANCE OF ZINC FOR HUMAN HEALTH

INTRODUCTION
Zinc is essential for human health and plays a key role in the human metabolism. Zinc is vital for the proper
functioning of more the 200 enzymes, for the stabilisation of DNA and the expression of genes, and for the
transfer of nervous signals.

ZINC IN THE HUMAN BODY

The human body contains 2-3 g of zinc (compared with 7 g of iron) which is found everywhere in the body, with
the highest levels in muscles, liver, kidneys, bones and prostate.

The recommended daily zinc intake is 12 mg/day for adult women and 15 mg/day for adult men. Daily intake
is not only dependent on diet but also on sex, age and general health status. World Health Organisation (WHO)
recommendations for the daily intake of zinc are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: WHO recommended daily allowance for zinc

Age Group Recommended Intake
Infant 5 mg
1 – 10 years 10 mg
Adult Male 15 mg
Adult Female 12 mg
Pregnant Female 15 mg

Growing infants, children, adolescents, women in pregnancy and the elderly have a higher zinc requirement.
Certain groups are known to have an increased demand for zinc and have a higher risk of zinc deficiency (Table
2).

Table 2: Population groups with increased demand for zinc

Children and adolescents
Pregnant and lactating women
Elderly people
People doing hard physical work
Diabetics and alcoholics
Smokers
Patients with large wounds
Higher demand due to growth
Higher resorption by the foetus and in the milk
Reduced body functions, unbalanced diet
Increased general demand
Higher excretion
Reduced absorption
Extreme losses and higher demands

The Importance of Zinc for Human Health Page 1

ADVISORY NOTE #10.2

ZINC DEFICIENCY
Zinc is essential for human health but many adults and children may not be getting enough zinc in their diets.
A comprehensive review (Walsh 1995) of current knowledge about zinc and human health concluded that there
is a potential for zinc deficiency on a worldwide scale.

In the United States, studies concluded that a substantial part of the general population is at risk from zinc
deficiency. Mild chronic deficiency is even predicted in people consuming low meat diets rich in phyllite and
fibre. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include reduced sense of taste and smell, skin disorders, mental lethargy
and reduced fertility.

Zinc nutritional supplements can successfully balance insufficient dietary zinc intake but high doses can lead to
gastro-intentional disorders and are not recommended without medical advice.

REFERENCES
Walsh et al. Zinc: Health Effects and Research Priorities for the 1990s, Environmental Health Perspective 102
(Suppl 2):5-46 (1994)

The Importance of Zinc for Human Health Page 2