What does zinc do?

Adequate zinc intake is critical for health. Zinc deficiency affects cells of the immune system. It causes a reduction in the number B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes (CD4 lymphocytes in particular) through increased apoptosis and also reduces their functional capacity. The functions of the macrophage, another key immunological cell that engulfs and destroys bacteria, are also compromised. The production and potency of several cytokines, the central messengers of the immune system, are also perturbed by zinc deficiency. Many of these changes occur even in the early stages of deficiency. Zinc plays a part in the maintenance of epithelial and tissue integrity through promoting cell growth …