Why do we need zinc as an essential mineral?

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes. Zinc aids in a healthy immune system, necessary for wound healing and maintaining our sense of taste and smell. Zinc also helps in normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Signs & Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency:
Impaired immunity
Poor wound healing
Depression
Loss of taste
Loss of smell
Joint pain
Fatigue
Reduced endurance
Acne
Dry skin
Difficulty seeing in the dark

Zinc has been shown to be low in or beneficial to the following conditions:
Psoriasis
Osteoporosis
Acid/base disorders
Alcoholism
Hypertension
HIV
Infertility
Anemia
Diabetes Mellitus
Herpes Simplex
ADD/ADHD
Age Related macular degeneration
Cervical Dysplasia
Prostate diseases
Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Cirrhosis
Kidney disease
Celiac Disease
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Pregnancy and lactating mothers
Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
Thyroid disease

Prescription Medications that deplete Zinc:
Certain blood pressure lowering medications (diuretics and ACE inhibitors)
Caffeine
Alcohol
Anti-acids
Corticosteroids
Hormone replacement therapy
Antibiotics
Oral Contraceptives

Laboratory Testing for Zinc:
Serum Zinc (not very accurate)
Red Blood Cell Zinc (more accurate)
Lymphocyte Proliferation

Food Sources For Zinc:
High:
Oysters, herring, beef, lamb, liver, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, bran, cheese
Moderate:
Lobster, crab, shrimp, tuna, clams, perch, chicken, turkey, pork, veal, eggs, peanuts, cashews, lentils, peas, oats, barley, avocados, spinach, beets, okra, parsley, and carrots