Around 2 billion individuals worldwide are zinc deficient, and up to 15% of US adults are estimated to be deficient in this essential mineral. Zinc deficiency may lead to a weakened immune system, impaired growth, impaired wound healing, and even mood swings. Read on to learn how zinc helps boost your immune system, its many other benefits, and sources. Why Is Zinc Important for Your Body? Every cell in your body contains zinc, the second most prevalent trace essential mineral. It is required for the action of more than 300 enzymes that help with metabolism, brain function, digestion, skin health, and DNA and protein synthesis. Additionally, zinc is necessary for body growth and development due to its function in cell growth and division. The perceptions of taste and smell rely on zinc as well. Zinc Boosts Your Immune System Studies show that zinc is important in almost all aspects of both innate and adaptive immune systems. It supports skin cells and cells that line our organs as a barrier from pathogens, and it keeps the bone marrow and thymus (which produce immune cells) working properly. Zinc deficiency is associated with a wide spectrum of immune dysfunctions, as zinc is essential for immune cell function and cell communication. Additionally, zinc supplementation has been shown to boost specific immune cells (natural killer cells and T-cells) and lower oxidative stress. For example, a review of seven research studies found that taking 80–92 mg of zinc daily can shorten the duration of a cold by up to 33%. Furthermore, zinc supplementation improves influenza vaccine response, lowers the risk of pneumonia, and improves mental function in older adults. According to one study, taking 45 mg of elemental zinc daily can reduce infection risk in older persons by 66%. Zinc Reduces Inflammation Chronic inflammation, caused by oxidative stress, is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and cognitive impairment. Zinc helps to lower oxidat