Zinc is a mineral known as an "essential trace element", due to the very small amounts of zinc necessary for our health. Our body does not store extra zinc. It is therefore necessary to consume it regularly to obtain the zinc that our body needs. This can be done through natural sources such as red meat, poultry, and fish, or can also be added through supplementation.

Some of the possible consequences of a deficiency in zinc can include, but are not limited to:

- Poor sense of taste and smell
- Rough, dry skin
- Loss of appetite
- Slow growth
- Diarrhea
- Nausea