Are You Zinc Deficient?

Zinc, an essential trace mineral naturally present in some foods, is involved in a multitude of body functions including immune function, digestion, protein synthesis, wound healing, skin health, and reducing stress levels. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence, and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. Because the body has no specialized zinc storage system, a daily intake of zinc is required to maintain a steady state.

Research has tied zinc deficiency to diabetes, Alzheimer's, cognitive impairment, atherosclerosis, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, age-related degenerative diseases, and Wilson's disease. Many researchers believe zinc is linked to so many chronic diseases because it plays such a crucial role in immune function and healthy cell growth. A lack of zinc can increase oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which have been strongly associated with chronic disease.