Zinc helps regulate the immune system and maintain the integrity of the skin, which is one of the first lines of defense against infection. It also helps aid proper growth and development, wound healing, DNA synthesis, enzymatic reactions, and smell and taste. So, it truly is a powerful little nutrient found in common foods, both animal and plant-based sources such as oysters, Crab, Beef, Chicken, Tofu, Pork, Pumpkin Seeds, Lentils, Low-fat Yogurt, and Oatmeal. Zinc is not stored in the body so it must be ingested through food or supplements daily. A zinc deficiency can affect the body in various ways. A few of those signs include impairment of physical growth and development, reduced ability to taste food, poor sense of smell, dry skin, slow wound healing, and depression.