Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that the human body cannot produce or store, meaning it must be obtained daily through diet or supplementation. It is found in every cell of the body and is critical for a vast range of biological functions, including DNA synthesis, protein production, and the structural integrity of proteins. Natural food sources include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains, though the zinc in plant-based foods is often less bioavailable due to the presence of phytates.