The probability of binding (chelation) between zinc and organic
compounds-that is, compounds containing carbon, nitrogen and
oxygen-is high. Such binding usually occurs between the
negative-ion- rich centres of either the oxygen or nitrogen
groups of the chemical and the positively charged zinc (Zn2+)
ion. In the case of insulin-zinc complexes found naturally in
the pancreas, the binding is reversible, as it enables insulin
to be stored until required. Whatever the route of destruction
of the pancreas' ability to secrete insulin, it is worthwhile
noting that some of the drugs that diabetic children are exposed
to during fetal development are structurally similar to each
other. For example, in the survey of diabetic children that I
carried out, one child was exposed to Asacol (mesalamine) and
another to paracetamol. The structure of Asacol is similar to
para-aminophenol, a highly toxic chemical formed in the body in
tiny quantities following paracetamol (acetamino-phen)
breakdown. What's more, Asacol and penic