ABSTRACT
The three decades preceding the definitive establishment of human zinc deficiency were a very exciting period of zinc research. This chapter outlines the studies on zinc, both animal and human, which were carried out prior to 1961. By separating the period prior to 1961, one can see that the wide range of the biochemical importance of zinc was largely established during that period. The use of zinc in such preparations as calamine (contains zinc oxide) and zinc ointment for skin irritations, abrasions, and burns, has been documented since pre-Christian times, such as in the Ebers papyrus. Zinc was also shown to complex with uroporphyrin, the excretion of which is increased in idiopathic porphyria. Zinc deficiency in the pig was first demonstrated in 1955 and was shown to be one of the main factors contributing to parakeratosis. The deficiency symptoms were reversible with zinc supplementation or with addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to the diet.
