Zinc is an essential mineral, vital for health. Women are one of the groups most at risk of deficiency. Zinc plays an important role in the body, it maintains the bodies immune system, preserves bone, aids in wound healing and is a component of many of the bodies enzymes systems. It is also necessary for normal functioning of three of our five senses, a deficiency can affect taste sensations, the ability to smell and the functioning of the eyes.

This mineral is secreted into our body fluids where it acts as an antiseptic whenever we get a cold, gastro, sore throat, flu, urinary tract infection or thrush. Our body does not have a special zinc storage system so it is important to make sure we get sufficient zinc supply everyday.

Our zinc supply can be further reduced by drinking tea, coffee and alcohol or taking some medications like the Pill, HRT or ACE inhibitor blood pressure tablets. Any food containing the additive Tartrazine (102) which is used in yellow, green and orange foods will also reduce you bodies supply of zinc. Another factor in the picture is that zinc is a mineral that is missing from many of the soils around the world.

Given how important this mineral is for your health and how many factors can lead to a deficiency it's worth considering whether you are getting enough zinc on a daily basis. Can you get enough from what you eat? What factors affect zinc absorption? Do you need a supplement?