[Zinc deficiency in the elderly]

Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. 2007 Nov;44(6):677-89.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Zinc is one of the essential trace elements which usually contain 1.4-2.3g in the human body. Zinc is present in muscle (60%), bone (30%) and other organs (10%) such as liver, kidney, pancreas, brain, skin, prostate etc. Daily zinc requirement of an adult is 15mg and normal range of serum zinc concentration is 84-159microg/dl. Zinc absorption in the elderly is significantly lower than that of the younger. Zinc deficiency is common in the elderly, especially those aged over 75. The symptoms of dermatitis, diarrhea etc. Immunocompetence and wound healing are disturbed in those with zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation is necessary as a nutrient for a good quality of life in the elderly.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology
  • Humans
  • Zinc / deficiency*
  • Zinc / metabolism

Substances

  • Zinc