Zinc is an essential mineral that plays numerous critical roles in the body:
- Immune System Support: Zinc is vital for proper immune function, helping the body fight off infections by supporting immune cell activity and signaling. Zinc deficiency can weaken immune response, while supplementation may reduce the duration of common colds and lower infection risk, especially in older adults
- Wound Healing: Zinc is important for skin health and wound healing due to its role in collagen synthesis, immune function, and inflammation control. It is used medically to treat burns and ulcers and can speed recovery in people with wounds
- Cell Growth and Division: Zinc is necessary for cell growth, division, and the activity of over 300 enzymes involved in metabolism, digestion, nerve function, DNA synthesis, and protein production. This makes it crucial for growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence
- Senses of Taste and Smell: Zinc is essential for enzymes that enable the senses of taste and smell. Deficiency can reduce these senses
- Other Functions: Zinc supports hormone production (including insulin and testosterone), reproductive health, thyroid function, bone maintenance, and metabolism. It also has antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases and age-related conditions like macular degeneration
In summary, zinc is crucial for immune defense, wound healing, growth, sensory function, and overall cellular health. Since the body cannot produce zinc, it must be obtained through diet or supplements, with common sources including meat, seafood, and fortified cereals
