What is zinc? Zinc might be the second-to-last element of the periodic table, but it’s definitely an essential worker. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, zinc is an essential nutrient found in cells throughout our body and is needed for healthy development and to maintain optimal health. What does zinc do for the body? Because our bodies don’t store zinc, we need a daily dose to aid in growth, DNA synthesis, immune function and more. Just a little bit of zinc can go a long way to realize the benefits. Zinc is a super-nutrient responsible for functions that span supporting your immune system to providing you with a proper sense of taste and smell. It supports your health in myriad ways. Here are some examples. 1. Zinc helps our bodies grow and develop During pregnancy, infancy and childhood, zinc is important to maintain proper growth. Why? Because our bodies need it to perform key functions, such as making proteins, DNA and genetic material. 2. Zinc is good for your