Zinc Deficiency in Human Subjects

Zinc Deficiency in Human Subjects is a 268-page book detailing the proceedings of an international symposium held in Ankara, Turkey, in April 1982. Volume 129 in the series, Progress in Clinical and Biological Research, the book details varied original scientific research on zinc deficiency done primarily in Turkey. Ananda Prasad, the first to document zinc deficiency in humans, outlines the history of this research and reviews current knowledge in the field. His excellent chapter provides the scientific perspective in which to examine the original papers which comprise the rest of the book. These papers cover a variety of aspects of zinc deficiency and are each followed by a record of the discussion of the conference members. After Prasad's review of the basics of what is known about the field, the chapter "Biological Roles of Ionic Zinc" examines the biochemical role of zinc in the inhibition of calmodulin action and the regulation of copper absorption. Brewer and his colleagues propose in this chapter that zinc therapy may be a viable alternative to penicillamine treatment in Wilson's disease. Other chapters present original work on zinc nutrition in human pregnancy, zinc treatment in psychiatric disorders, basic dietary requirements, cellular immunity and zinc in Hodgkin's disease, and other current findings in zinc research. The book offers an excellent review of the state of the field, presents important original research, and constitutes a valuable resource for both scientist and clinician.