Zinc is an essential mineral that is required as a cofactor for many enzymes in human metabolism. In this role, zinc has a wide range of functions and deficiencies of zinc in the diet can significantly affect health. Zinc can support immune function and so deficiency of zinc can significantly increase the risk of infection. For example, zinc is essential to the engulfing of bacteria by neutrophils and without enough zinc the neutrophil defence from bacteria is significantly compromised. Zinc also plays a crucial role in allowing the inflammatory response to proceed as intended and so without adequate zinc, the inflammatory response may not be optimal, and this can alter the desirable outcome for any infected or damaged tissues. Zinc is also able to regulate oxidative stress and in this way can modulate the response to inflammation. Obtaining optimal levels of zinc should therefore be a priority for those that wish to maintain optimal health and decrease the risk of serious infection.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
