A Guide to Human Zinc Absorption: General Overview and Recent Advances of In Vitro Intestinal Models

This review highlights the importance of zinc, an essential trace element, for human health, focusing on its absorption in the intestine and factors affecting bioavailability. Zinc supports various bodily functions, including immune response, enzymatic reactions, and neural signaling. In vitro models like Caco-2 cells have advanced understanding of zinc transport and absorption at the cellular level, revealing how diet, zinc-binding proteins, and intestinal transporters regulate its uptake. This knowledge is vital for addressing deficiencies and improving zinc-related therapies.

Consume a balanced diet rich in zinc-containing foods, such as nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains, while minimizing phytate-rich processed foods that impair zinc absorption. While evidence supports these dietary choices, individual zinc needs may vary, and professional guidance is recommended for supplementation.