MedRev Report
Abbott Laboratories Pakistan in collaboration with Express Media Group as a part of Abbott Academic Alliance organized an Awareness Seminar titled ‘Zinc se Zindagi – Role of Zinc in daily life’ recently inKarachi. The aim of the Seminar was to raise awareness amongst doctors about the importance of Zinc in daily life. Experts including Dr. Yusuf Kamal, Dr. Tasneem Nakhuda, Dr. Rubina Tahir, Dr. Alyscia Cheema spoke on the value of Zinc in daily life.
Dr. Yusuf Kamal, Sr. Medical Consultant,Aga KhanUniversityHospitalspeaking on the “Role and need for Zinc”, said that Zinc is the third most abundant trace element present in the body. WHO recognized in 2002, that 33% of world population is Zinc deficient. It is a micronutrient that amount 0.01% of the body while the whole human body contains 1.5% to 2 gram of Zinc. Almost 90% of Zinc is found in bone and muscles. Only 10% is metabolically available and is very critical. When this 10% falls, the reversed Zinc in the body is not recalled thus it has to be replaced by dietary supplements. At cellular level, Zinc acts as a catalyst for more than 300 enzymes. It regulates the function of DNA and is also responsible for the Cell replication. The greatest role of Zinc is strengthening the immune system.
He further informed that Zinc behaves like a 24 hours on call skin mechanic. Zinc has a large number of benefits. It supports stabilization of blood glucose levels, maintains the sense of taste and smell and boosts fertility. Referring to the study of Aga Khan University (AKU) on Diarrhea Incidence, he said that WHO has adopted the recommendations of the Study regarding the use of Zinc used for the control of all childhood Diarrhea.
In the end, he appreciated the efforts of Abbott Laboratories and Express Media Forum in organizing such an informative forum.
Dr. Tasneem Nakhuda, Consultant Dermatologist spoke on the importance of Zinc for hair and skin. He said that Zinc has a lot of importance in field of Dermatology. Zinc is a part of cell structure and works as a catalyst for enzymes. To understand the importance of Zinc, Dermatologists are concerned to understand a lot of functions in the field of Dermatology.
Dr. Rubina Tahir, Professor & Consultant Gynaecologist at theAbbasiShaheedHospitaloutlined the role of Zinc during pregnancy and infertility. She said that Zinc plays an integral role during the pregnancy as its concentration reduction leads to complications. On the other hand, Zinc deficiency results in poor reproductive performance and male infertility. InPakistan, the infertility rate is very low. Terming it as an essential micronutrient, she said that it catalyses more than 300 enzymes in the body. She counted some signs and symptoms of Zinc deficiency in humans. These included growth retardation, diarrhea, alopecia, decreased immunity and hypogonadism.
Dr. Alyscia Cheema, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at theJinnahPostGraduateMedicalCollegeand Hospital spoke on the significance of Zinc for Eye. She informed that it is the important mineral found in high concentrations in the Retina. Zinc’s acetate form has been proven to have the greatest absorption by the body. Zinc is very important for the proper functioning of the antioxidant enzymes in the eyes.
Earlier, Hassan Abbass of Express Media Group appreciating the efforts put together by Abbott and went on to say that Abbott Laboratories is already the number two pharmaceutical company in Pakistan. The biggest objective of Abbott Laboratories is that the patient should be the winner at the end of the day. Abbott Laboratories takes pride in delivering quality products to all its patients. It has created Abbott Academic Alliance two years ago to make sure that similar seminars are held to spread awareness of diseases in a very simple and easy manner. Whether you are primary care physician or a consultant, Abbott helps in understanding the disease better and by interacting on such forums, one can really make a difference in the life of every patient inPakistan.