Zinc is a mineral that is essential to life. It's chemical symbol is Zn. Zinc acts as a cofactor in over one hundred human enzymes. Enzymes control the biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc is found primarily in bones, teeth, hair, muscle, skin, liver, leukocytes, pancreas and testes.

          Zinc deficiency can slow wound healing and repair and alter the taste of the foods you eat (hypogeusia). Smell can also be altered from zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency can cause mental lethargy, anorexia, growth, hair loss (alopecia), immune disorders, dermatitis, night blindness, retardation, delayed sexual maturation, hypogonadism, hypospermia (impotence), and diarrhea. Low levels of zinc can reduce sexual drive.

          Zinc deficiency occurs when zinc intake is inadequate or when zinc is poorly absorbed, when there are increased losses of zinc from the body, or when the body's requirement for zinc increases. Vegetarians may need as much as 50% more zinc than non-vegetarians because of the lower absorption of zinc from plant foods, so it is very important for vegetarians to include good sources of zinc in their diet

          The immune system is adversely affected by even moderate degrees of zinc deficiency. Severe zinc deficiency depresses immune function. Zinc is required for the development and activation of T-lymphocytes, a white blood cell that helps fight infection. T-lymphocytes participated in cell-mediated immunity and so Zinc may help to inhibit several types of cancer, including prostate, not to mention that Zinc may also help prevent, the common cold (not cure). When zinc supplements are given to individuals with low zinc levels, the numbers of T-cell lymphocytes circulating in the blood increase and the ability of lymphocytes to fight infection improves.

          Zinc is also an antioxidant and like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, act to eliminate free radicals in the body. It is generally agreed that free radicals can cause cause cancer. Zinc is associated with proper insulin function. Diabetics often have problems absorbing zinc, and tend to over excrete zinc. Testosterone is also known to be closely interrelated with zinc.

          Saliva can also be analyzed for zinc levels.

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