The micronutrient zinc plays a vital role in our body’s immune system! Studies have shown that people get infections more easily due to decreased immunity even when facing a slight zinc deficiency!

People who have zinc deficiencies might be affected with diseases such as dermatitis (skin inflammation), slow or retarded wound healing, slow growth as well as slow sexual development.

So, do make sure you guys consume enough dietary zinc to maintain a healthy immune system! =)

However, do take note that excess zinc intake isn’t good for the body either!

Very high zinc intakes = copper deficiency, slowed growth in children, anemia as well as immunodepression.

OYSTERS are rich in Zinc!

Keep in mind, too little or too much of anything isn’t good for the body! Same goes for zinc as well!

Zinc is essential for proper functioning of immune cells such as neutropholis, B lymphocyte development and antibody production, especially that of immunoglobulin G.

Macrophages, which are essential in the body’s immune system, are also negatively affected in a zinc deficient body.

Zinc also has antioxidant properties which help prevent or reduce oxidative damage to our cells which are caused by peroxides and carcinogens, which are cancer causing agents.

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References:
Anuraj H Shankar and Ananda S Prasad. Zinc and Immune Function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.1998.

The Great Plains Laboratory Inc.. 2005. Immune System. Available from : http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/immune-system.html#zinc. Accessed on 3rd February 2009.