ABSTRACT
Zinc is a micromineral that participates in many vital functions within the body. Dietary zinc is obtained by a variety of foods including protein rich foods such as meat, fish, poultry, and oysters, as well as whole grains and some vegetables. Some of zinc’s functions include involvement with protein synthesis, energy metabolism, sexual maturation, immune function, and taste. Many of the roles of zinc are carried out through its function as a cofactor for enzymes. Zinc deficiency produces an array of problems including abnormal growth and reproduction, poor wound healing, dysgeusia (abnormal taste), decreased immune function, and various other problems.
