Nano8 Nano Zinc (NZn) for Humans
Zinc oxide is an all-rounder when it comes to technical applications: it is used in rubber production, in cement and paints, in electronics, in medical products and also as catalyst. Zinc is also an essential element indispensable to life of humans, animals and plants. Over the last few decades, nanotechnology has witnessed an incredible development in the fastest-growing domain of science and technology because metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are progressively being used in many industrial applications. Among the different metals, zinc attracts more attention because of its strong reducing potential, moderate reactivity, and having five stable isotopes. Among the different zinc-based nanostructures like sulphide, ferrite, phosphide, selenide, and telluride, zinc oxide (ZnO) is most attractive due to its vast applicability, being eco-friendly, and its diverse physiochemical properties.
Zinc Particle
How can I come into contact with this material?
For a healthy life, a human requires between 12 and 15 mg zinc on a daily basis obtained from the diet. In most cases zinc is taken up in form of zinc oxide coming from natural food sources which then dissolves in the body releasing zinc ions. But even zinc, if absorbed in too high concentrations, can be harmful to the body. A possible exposure scenario is the inhalation of zinc oxide fumes formed during welding activities of zinc sheets which can then lead to lung damage (metal fume fever). Zinc oxide nanoparticles are also used in cosmetic products as a mineral UV-filter. Dermal uptake of dissolved zinc ions can occur but has no potential harmful effect since the skin needs a lot of zinc for its own metabolism anyway. Most of our absorbed zinc comes from natural sources in the food.
Is there any risk from this material to humans and the environment?
Zinc as well as zinc oxide nanoparticles have a positive effect on the human body since zinc is involved in the regulation of many important biological processes. Therefore it is used in zinc ointments and other medical products. But if zinc is applied in high concentrations or in the wrong place (e.g. zinc oxide nanoparticles in the lung) it may have toxics effects causing cell death (zinc fever).
Zinc in the human body
Zinc is organically known as a helper molecule that assists about 300 enzymes, which are involved in various bodily functions. After iron, zinc is the most vital and richest trace element in the human body and has been estimated to be 30 mm (2–4 g) of the total body zinc content. The maximum quantity of zinc occurs in parts of the eye, liver, kidney, bones, muscles, prostate, and brain [26]. Weak vision like cloudy cataracts and poor night vision have been connected to zinc deficiency. A low zinc concentration in puts the human body at risk for alopecia (hair loss from eyelashes and eyebrows), greater vulnerability to infection, and mental lethargy. Almost 15 mg/day (zinc) of trace quantities is required in the human diet to full fill the demands of all body fluids and tissues. Zinc also plays an essential role in the immune system along with the maintenance and integrity of cellular components (molecules and or membrane stability, etc.) [22]. A number of enzymes are regulated by zinc that are involved in homeostasis and other up-keeping bodily functions. It also participates in controlling polynucleotide transcription by playing a crucial role in genetic expression. The volume-dependent absorption of zinc occurs throughout the small intestine. However, the loss of zinc from the body occurs through the skin, kidney, and intestines [27]. Zinc deficiency in humans causes cell impairment and malignancy development that eventually may lead to cancer. Thus, in the prevention and treatment of various cancers, the zinc-accelerated cancer chemoprevention is effective.
By the way…
- Zinc oxide is the 5th most common element in the earth’s crust.
- Zinc is also added to foodstuffs in the form of zinc acetate (E650) to prevent zinc deficiency in humans.
Dosage for humans
The lack of zinc stunts development and growth, and causes system dysfunction in animals, plants, and microbial organisms. The biotic functions of zinc involve structural, catalytic, and regulatory functions. It plays an important role in regulating gene expression and maintenance of proteins’ structural integrity. Its deficiency in various parts of the world is not explicitly common in humans; however, a wide range of mild deficiency signs are noticed because of the involvement of zinc abundance in metabolic processes. The recommended and estimated (via factorial analysis) dietary allowance for adults is 11 mg/day for men and 8 mg/day for women, whereas, the maximum (tolerable) intake level for adults has been established as 40 mg/day
Conclusion
Humans are exposed to zinc on a daily basis originating from various sources like food intake, cosmetics and many other products. Zinc is only harmful for humans in high concentrations as zinc is an essential element and zinc oxide dissolves once inside the body.