Zinc is an essential trace element commonly found in red meat, poultry, and fish. It is necessary in small amounts for human health, growth, and sense of taste. Zinc is found throughout the body.

The sale of health-food supplements produces an annual turnover of $18 billion in the US, although scientific evidence that supports their use in prevention and treatment of illness is often limited.

1 Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Human Nutrition Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 2 School of Clinical Medical Sciences, Human Nutrition Research Centre ...