Role of zinc in female reproduction

Zinc, an indispensable nutrient, plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes crucial for growth and overall survival. Its involvement in various cellular functions highlights its significance, and it's no surprise that a deficiency in zinc can lead to a wide array of pathological consequences. These may include impaired growth and development, heightened oxidative stress, increased inflammatory signaling, and the induction of apoptosis.
In recent years, several laboratories have undertaken research, unearthing various zinc-dependent processes that regulate female reproduction. Notably, the past decade has witnessed remarkable discoveries that expand our comprehension of zinc's role in an array of reproductive mechanisms. These processes encompass essential aspects like oocyte growth and maturation, fertilization, epigenetic programming, as well as subsequent embryonic, fetal, and placental development. It is concerning that an estimated 82% of pregnant women globally fail to meet the recommended dietary allowance for zinc. This highlights the urgency to comprehend the mechanisms through which zinc operates, as observed in animal studies, and its implications on human reproductive health due to its prevalence as a deficiency in human populations.