Bima Putra Pratama, Aswin Rafif Khairullah, Dea Anita Ariani Kurniasih, Imam Mustofa, Bantari Wisynu Kusuma Wardhani, Mohammad Sukmanadi, Riza Zainuddin Ahmad, Andi Thafida Khalisa, Irma Melati, Ulvi Fitri Handayani, Sri Mulyati, Wita Yulianti, Adeyinka Oye Akintunde, Ilma Fauziah Maruf, Meta Aquarista Galia, Hanum Masayu Kirna Sari, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Syahputra Wibowo
Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient involved in enzymatic activity, protein and membrane structure, gene regulation, and immune and antioxidant functions. Both excess and deficiency influence health, affecting reproduction, skin, bones, endocrine balance, immunity, and the nervous system. Zinc deficiency remains a major global public health problem, particularly in low-income countries, and is often underdiagnosed due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. This review examines the role of zinc in human health, the clinical consequences of imbalance, and its therapeutic potential in disease prevention and management. Evidence shows that zinc supports antioxidant defense, wound healing, cell proliferation, and immune function. Supplementation may enhance immunity, promote tissue repair, and reduce infection and metabolic risk, especially in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and patients with chronic conditions. Excess intake, however, can be harmful, leading to drug interactions and impaired copper absorption. In summary, zinc plays diverse roles in health and disease and holds promise for evidence-based dietary strategies. Its use should be tailored to individual nutritional needs to maximize benefits and minimize risks. © 2026, Walailak University. All rights reserved.
Research Center for Process Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Banten, South Tangerang, 15314, Indonesia; Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; Division of Veterinary Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Traditional Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; Division of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia; Faculty of Military Pharmacy, Universitas Pertahanan, West Java, Bogor, 16810, Indonesia; Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia; Department of Agriculture and Industrial Technology, Babcock University, Ogun, 121003, Nigeria; D4 Agroindustrial Product Development, Politeknik Negeri Cilacap, Central Java, Cilacap, 53212, Indonesia; Undergraduate Program in Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Postgraduate School, Universitas Airlangga, Kampus B Dharmawangsa, East Java, Surabaya, 60286, Indonesia; Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Medical Biotechnology Research Group, Virtual Research Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, East Java, Surabaya, 60493, Indonesia; Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), West Java, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
