What it does
Supports enzymes, immune function, wound healing and taste.
Possible deficiency symptoms
Deficiency can affect wound healing, taste or smell, appetite and skin. These findings have other causes too.
Food sources
Oysters; meat; poultry; beans; pumpkin seeds; fortified cereals.
Supplement forms
Zinc gluconate, citrate and sulfate are examples.
Before taking a supplement
Long-term high intake can cause copper deficiency. Avoid intranasal zinc products because of loss-of-smell risk.
Questions for your visit
Could my diet, medicines, absorption or another condition explain my concern? What evidence would support treatment, and how would we check whether it helps?
Names you may see
Zinc
Sources & perspective
This is an editorial adaptation of the Purser Wellness nutrient reference app. Purser teaching connections are labeled separately from clinical interpretation. Private cases and individual treatment protocols are not reproduced.
Use the public resources below for additional context.
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
