Zinc

zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that the body needs in small amounts but that plays a big role in health. It acts as a helper for hundreds of enzymes and proteins that drive processes like DNA repair, cell division, and energy production. Zinc is also vital for a working immune system, helping white blood cells respond to infections and aiding wound healing. It supports normal growth and development, so it is especially important during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. Zinc contributes to the senses of taste and smell, which is why people with low zinc sometimes notice changes in flavor. You can get zinc from meat, shellfish, dairy, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, but absorption can vary depending on other foods you eat. Deficiency can cause slow growth, hair loss, diarrhea, poor wound healing, and increased infections, while too much zinc can upset the stomach and interfere with copper absorption. Because the balance is delicate, many people meet needs through a normal diet, and supplements are best used when a deficiency is confirmed or risk is high. Zinc matters because it supports basic cell functions, keeps the immune system strong, and helps the body recover from injury and illness.