Zinc

Zinc is the second most abundant trace mineral in the body after iron and is present in every cell. It serves as a structural component of over 2.000 transcription factors and is a catalytic cofactor for more than 300 enzymes involved in metabolism, digestion, and nerve function. Zinc is essential for immune cell development and communication, and deficiency significantly impairs both innate and adaptive immune responses. The body has no specialized zinc storage system, making regular dietary intake necessary. Zinc deficiency affects an estimated 2 billion people worldwide, particularly in developing countries, and is associated with growth retardation, impaired wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections. Good dietary sources include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, and nuts.