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Shankar AH, Genton B, Baisor M, et al. The influence of zinc supplementation on morbidity due to Plasmodium falciparum: a randomized trial in preschool children in Papua New Guinea. Am J Trop Med Hyg. Richard SA, Zavaleta N, Caulfield LE, et al. Zinc and iron supplementation and malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections in children in the Peruvian Amazon.

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Sharquie KE, Najim RA, Farjou IB, et al. Oral zinc sulphate in the treatment of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis. Clin Exp Dermatol. Download references. Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. Correspondence to Lothar Rink. Department Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Dietitians and Nutrition Experts Team DiNET , Universal Scientific Education and Research Network USERN , Tehran, Iran.

Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity NIIMA , Universal Scientific Education and Research Network USERN , Tehran, Iran.

Reprints and permissions. Gammoh, N. Zinc and the Immune System. In: Mahmoudi, M. eds Nutrition and Immunity. Springer, Cham. Published : 31 July Publisher Name : Springer, Cham.

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Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative. Policies and ethics. Skip to main content. Abstract Zinc is an essential trace element that plays an important role in many physiological functions. Keywords Adaptive immunity Infections Innate immunity Signaling pathways Zinc.

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This article explains everything you need to know about zinc, including its functions, health benefits, dosage recommendations, and potential side effects. Zinc is required for numerous processes in your body, including 1 :.

Because of its role in immune function, zinc is likewise added to some lozenges and other natural cold treatments 2. Zinc is an essential mineral that your body does not make on its own.

It aids growth, DNA synthesis, immune function, and more. In fact, zinc is the second-most abundant trace mineral in your body — after iron — and is present in every cell 3. Zinc is necessary for the activity of over enzymes that aid in metabolism, digestion, nerve function, and many other processes 4.

This mineral is also fundamental to skin health , DNA synthesis, and protein production 3. Zinc is also needed for your senses of taste and smell. Because one of the enzymes crucial for proper taste and smell is dependent on this nutrient, a zinc deficiency can reduce your ability to taste or smell 7.

Zinc is essential for cell growth and division, immune function, enzyme reactions, DNA synthesis, and protein production. Because it is necessary for immune cell function and cell signaling, a deficiency can lead to a weakened immune response 7.

Zinc is commonly used in hospitals as a treatment for burns, certain ulcers, and other skin injuries Because this mineral plays critical roles in collagen synthesis, immune function, and inflammatory response, it is necessary for proper healing. While a zinc deficiency can slow wound healing, supplementing with zinc can speed recovery in people with wounds.

For example, in a week study in 60 people with diabetic foot ulcers , those treated with 50 mg of zinc per day experienced significant reductions in ulcer size compared to a placebo group Zinc may significantly reduce your risk of age-related diseases, such as pneumonia, infection, and age-related macular degeneration AMD.

Zinc may relieve oxidative stress and improve immune response by boosting the activity of T-cells and natural killer cells, which help protect your body from infection Older adults who supplement with zinc in some older studies experience improved influenza vaccination response, reduced risk of pneumonia, and boosted mental performance 13 , 14 , Additionally, in a study in over 4, people, taking daily antioxidant supplements — vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta carotene — plus 80 mg of zinc decreased vision loss and significantly reduced the risk of advanced AMD Acne is a common skin disease that is estimated to affect up to 9.

Acne is driven by obstruction of oil-producing glands, bacteria, and inflammation Studies suggest that both topical and oral zinc treatments can effectively treat acne by reducing inflammation , inhibiting the growth of P.

acnes bacteria, and suppressing oil gland activity People with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc. Therefore, supplements may help reduce symptoms Zinc decreases oxidative stress and reduces levels of certain inflammatory proteins in your body Oxidative stress leads to chronic inflammation, a contributing factor in a wide array of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer , and mental decline In a study in 40 older adults, those who took 45 mg of zinc per day experienced greater reductions in inflammatory markers than a placebo group Zinc may effectively reduce inflammation, boost immune health, reduce your risk of age-related diseases, speed wound healing, and improve acne symptoms.

Symptoms of severe zinc deficiency include impaired growth and development, delayed sexual maturity, skin rashes, chronic diarrhea, impaired wound healing, and behavioral issues Milder forms of zinc deficiency are more common, especially in children in developing countries where diets are often lacking in important nutrients.

It is estimated that around 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in zinc due to inadequate dietary intake 7. Since zinc deficiency impairs your immune system — increasing the chances of infection — zinc deficiency is thought to cause over , deaths in children under 5 every year Those at risk of zinc deficiency include 27 :.

Symptoms of mild zinc deficiency include diarrhea, decreased immunity, thinning hair, impaired taste or smell, dry skin, fertility issues, and impaired wound healing 7 , Thus, you may still be deficient even if tests indicate normal levels.

Doctors consider other risk factors — such as poor dietary intake and genetics — alongside blood results when determining whether you need supplements Risk factors for zinc deficiency include insufficient dietary intake, poor absorption, alcoholism, genetic mutations, and old age.

Many animal and plant foods are naturally rich in zinc, making it easy for most people to consume adequate amounts. Foods highest in zinc include 30 :. Animal products, such as meat and shellfish, contain high amounts of zinc in a form that your body easily absorbs. Keep in mind that zinc found in plant-based sources like legumes and whole grains is absorbed less efficiently because of other plant compounds that inhibit absorption While many foods are naturally high in zinc, certain foods — such as ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and snack bars — are fortified with zinc Zinc occurs naturally in foods like shellfish, meat, poultry, and dairy, and is added to other foods, such as breakfast cereals and snack bars.

Just as a deficiency in zinc can cause health complications, excessive intake can also lead to negative side effects. The most common cause of zinc toxicity is too much supplemental zinc, which can cause both acute and chronic symptoms Symptoms of toxicity include 33 :.

For example, chronic high zinc ingestion can interfere with your absorption of copper and iron. Reductions in copper levels have even been reported in people consuming only moderately high doses of zinc — 60 mg per day — for 10 weeks In order to avoid overconsumption, stay away from high dose zinc supplements unless recommended by a doctor.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance RDA is 11 mg for adult males and 8 mg for adult females 1. People who are pregnant and breastfeeding should consume 11 and 12 mg per day, respectively Unless a medical condition is hindering absorption, you should easily reach the RDA for zinc through diet alone.