Zinc plays a critical role in regulating metabolism and the immune system. Over the years, many studies have found that people with low levels are more likely to develop pneumonia and recurring sepsis as well as suffer from conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Severe zinc deficiency “depresses immune function,” the National Institutes of Health explains in a fact sheet for health professionals. “Even mild to moderate degrees of zinc deficiency can impair macrophage and neutrophil functions, natural killer cell activity, and complement activity. The body requires zinc to develop and activate T-lymphocytes.” Many of these issues “can be corrected by zinc supplementation.”
