Judging by the claims on the bottles, it’s easy to assume a simple zinc tablet is a quick fix for everything from the common cold to low immunity and even male fertility.

But do they actually work? And should you be taking them?

What is zinc? Why does the body need it?

Zinc is an essential trace mineral required for hundreds of enzymes involved in metabolism, DNA synthesis, wound healing and immune function.

Within the immune system, zinc helps immune cells develop, communicate and respond to infection.

Because the body has no major storage system for zinc, we need to consume it regularly via food. Good dietary sources include meat, seafood (especially oysters), dairy products, legumes, nuts and wholegrains

Most people in high-income countries get enough zinc from their diet, particularly those who eat meat and animal products.

What happens when you don’t get enough zinc?

Severe zinc deficiency is uncommon in high-income countries, but around three in ten Australians are at risk of mild deficiency because they’re not getting enough zinc in their diet.

Zinc is essential for normal immune system function. It supports both innate immunity (the body’s immediate response to infection) and adaptive immunity (longer-term immune memory and antibody production).

When zinc levels are too low, people may be more susceptible to infections and slower to recover from illness.

Deficiency can also........

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