ZINC – WHAT’S IT GOOD FOR?

Er, like, everything. ‘Zinc is required for the function of over 300 different enzymes, as well as DNA and protein synthesis and cell division,’ says University of Central Lancashire professor of nutritional sciences Nicola Lowe. It’s a busy bee, too, supporting growth, immune response, brain function and wound healing, as well as fighting inflammation, while also seeing off free radicals. As a trace element, zinc is only needed in low concentrations, but a daily intake is required to maintain a steady state as your bod has no special zinc storage system.