Zinc

Zinc (chemical or element symbol Zn) is an essential element found in hundreds of enzymes, plays a role in immune function and can modulate brain excitability.

Several studies have found serum zinc to be significantly lower in CFS patients when compared to controls.

Notable studies

• 2005, In chronic fatigue syndrome, the decreased levels of omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids are related to lowered serum zinc and defects in T cell activation
• 2006, Lower serum zinc in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): relationships to immune dysfunctions and relevance for the oxidative stress status in CFS

Learn more

• Zinc-Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center

enzyme a substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

The clear yellowish fluid that remains from blood plasma after clotting factors have been removed by clot formation. (Blood plasma is simply blood that has had its blood cells removed.)

serum The clear yellowish fluid that remains from blood plasma after clotting factors have been removed by clot formation. (Blood plasma is simply blood that has had its blood cells removed.)

See chronic fatigue syndrome.