As an anti-inflammatory agent, zinc is sometimes used to treat acne, rheumatoid arthritis, and prostatitis. Taking supplemental zinc can stimulate wound healing and may boost resistance to infection, especially in the elderly. When zinc levels are low, the number of T cells is reduced and many white blood functions critical to the immune response are severely lacking. Like Vitamin C, zinc also possesses direct antiviral activity, including activitiy against several viruses that can cause the common cold. It was also shown that the zinc lozenges had a protective effect against the development of colds.
Many American diets are low in zinc.
Young children, pregnant women, vegetarians, and elderly people are most susceptible to zinc deficiency. In children, zinc deficiency can retard growth and stunt sexual development in boys. There are several diseases or conditions that either result in, or are a result of zinc deficiency. Supplementation has been shown to improve various conditions. Zinc deficiency is a well-known complication of Crohn's disease.