Zinc is a mineral co-factor in hundreds of enzymatic reactions and essential to the normal function of the immune system. Zinc is an essential mineral to keep the immune system strong. For athletes, this is especially important, since being sidelined with a viral infection or other illness can mean missing valuable training time.
When a virus or bacteria invades your body, zinc travels to key cells that help fight against infection and ensure that inflammation does not spiral out of control. Zinc deficiency affects the production and efficiency of immune cells, resulting in decreased host defence and increased risk of inflammation. Having adequate levels of zinc means your immune system is firing at optimal levels, even when your body is fatigued from training, avoiding sickness and subsequent lost training time.