Abstract

Zinc is the second essential trace element, after iron, in the human body, which does not make deposits, requiring permanent exogenous intake.

Its pivotal role in the smooth running of cellular activity was recognized only in the last 50 years. Zinc plays an important role in the cellular protection against oxidative stress and in the nonspecific and specific immune response. The beneficial effect of zinc was demonstrated until now in acute and persistent diarrheal diseases in children, respiratory tract infections and is being evaluated in chronic hepatitis C, leishmaniasis, leprosy, malaria and tuberculosis.

Keywords

zinc, infection, immunity