Oral zinc supplementation is
beneficial in chronic HCV
infection by reducing serum
ferritin and thus reducing
oxidative stress and hepatic
inflammation.[452]
(Hechtman, 2012, p. 254)
role as a component of superoxide dismutase
(CuZnSOD) which is necessary for cellular
defence against reactive oxygen species. Zinc
also competes for binding sites with the
pro-oxidant minerals iron and copper.[449]
Serum and hepatic zinc is
reduced in chronic HBV[450]
and HCV[451] infection.
Pancreatic Insuficiency
reduce oxidative stress which
contributes to pancreatic damage,
needed for pancreatic tissue and
enzyme production, deficiency
associated with impaired exocrine
function (Grish et al 2012).
Pancreatic enzyme
insufficiency
decreases the
absorption of zinc,
creating a vicious
cycle.
Zinc Taste test
Hypochoridria
cofactor of carbonic anhydrase –
generates hydrogen ion to replace
the secreted H ion. Mucosal
integrity (Kohlmeier 2003)
NAFLD
Insomnia
modulator for many proteins and
enzymes for neurotransmission
cell signalling[207] including that
of the monamine oxidases
(Hechtman, 2012, p. 1210)
disruption to this cell signalling
and neurotransmission is likely to
affect sleep. (Hechtman, 2012, p.
1210)