Zinc is a transition metal and a chemical element with the symbol Zn. It has an atomic number of 30 and a atomic weight of 65.38. It is present in many foods and typically found as zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, and zinc chloride. Zinc is an essential element for human health and is used to treat zinc deficiency.
Zinc is widely used in industry as a protective coating for steel, as a component in brass making, as a way to age-harden aluminum, for galvanizing and electrolytic plating, and to make alloys. Zinc can also be used by itself as a paint pigment, or combined with other chemicals to make paints, varnishes, dyes and inks.
Zinc is also used in batteries, fireworks and explosives, rubber, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural uses such as fertilizers and animal feed. Zinc compounds are frequently used in sunscreen and sun block products, where they act as both mild abrasive agents and UV filters.
Zinc is also required for important developmental and biochemical processes in plants and animals. In humans, it is linked to many essential processes, including condensation of cellular DNA, glucose metabolism, and protein synthesis. Zinc deficiency can cause age-related increases in blood pressure, dyslipidemia, muscular weakness and systemic inflammation, among other things.
Zinc is found in many forms in the natural environment. It is generally found in low concentrations in soils, but can be found in much higher concentrations in certain areas due to natural deposits or geologic formation such as ore beds or hydrometallurgical process.
Because of its use in so many products and applications, zinc is a global commodity. The global demand for zinc has grown steadily over the past decade and continues to do so. This can be attributed to the expansion of global industrial production and population increases. As the demand for zinc continues to rise, the price of zinc has increased, as well as the cost of production.
The primary source of zinc in human diets is from foods such as seafood, grains, nuts, dairy, and meat. The average dietary intake of zinc is around 8 to 10 milligrams a day, however, the amount of zinc needed for optimal health can range from 5 to 20 milligrams a day.
In addition to food sources, zinc is also added to many fortified foods such as breakfast cereals. Zinc supplements can also be taken to help ensure adequate dietary intake. Zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate are both popular forms of zinc supplements.
In conclusion, zinc is an important transition metal and chemical element with many practical uses. It is used in a number of industrial applications and can also be found in medicines, agricultural products, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Zinc is essential for health and the proper functioning of the human body. It is found in many foods and can also be consumed in form of zinc supplements.
