Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell in your body. It stimulates the activity of over 100 enzymes. Zinc is one of few minerals that a significant number of people are slightly deficient. Zinc deficiency is particularly common in infants, adolescents, the elderly and women. Certain drugs and nutrients can inhibit the absorption of, or increase the excretion of Zinc.

Zinc plays an important role in wound healing, brain function, growth and development. Zinc also plays an important role in our immune system. In fact, even moderate deficiencies of Zinc can have an adverse effect on your immune system. Because zinc plays a role in the development and activation of T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection a severe deficiency of zinc will depress the immune system and leave you at higher risk of infection.

There could be a variety of reasons why someone could be deficient in zinc. Your diet may not include enough foods that provide a good level of zinc. Food sources high in zinc include oysters, herring, beef, lamb, liver, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, bran and cheese. Another cause of zinc deficiency is caffeine, as it impacts your body