Zinc is one of the most important microelements that can be found in the human organism. It is a component or an activator of various enzymes and takes part in more than 300 enzymatic reactions. It is present in all types of human tissue. About 90% of the general amount of zinc can be found in bones and muscles, 11% in liver and skin. Zn 2+ ions are stable ions in biological environment and they do not participate in redox reactions that occur inside an organism. Assimilability of this element by living organisms is varied. It depends largely on the sort of food and interactions occurring between zinc and other elements. Zinc is an essential element for normal development and maintenance of human health.The data presented in this article result from an overview of studies presented in literature published in the last five years concerning zinc transport mechanisms, the role of zinc in functioning of the human body, and also pathophysiological states caused by too low or excessive concentration of zinc in an organism.Chair of Public Health of the Technical University in Częstochowa, Poland Keywords: trace elements, zinc, functioning of the human organism.Activity of this bio element can be observed among others in such processes as mineralisation of bones, healing of injuries, correct secretion of insulin by pancreas, or maintaining the right level of vitamin A and cholesterol. The significant role of zinc was also observed in immunological processes. Moreover, zinc regulates blood pressure and pulse, contributes to the raised production of sperm, has a healing effect on the stomach-intestinal system, varicose veins, rheumatism and skin diseases [6]. Zinc deficiency, observed within human population in developing countries, triggers many disorders in functioning of the whole systems, as well as individual human organs [7]. Zinc is relatively little toxic for health, but its excess causes health disorders, such as vomiting, weakness, anaemia [5].Information presented in the article results from the review of studies presented in the literature in the last five years, concerning transport mechanisms of zinc, the role of zinc in body`s metabolism, and also pathophysiological states caused by too low or excessive concentration of zinc in an organism.