Zinc is a mineral that's important to the body in many ways. Zinc keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth.

Zinc deficiency occurs frequently in developing countries. Zinc deficiency in the U.S. is rare, because most diets provide more than the recommended dietary allowance.

Why do people take zinc?

Zinc has become a popular treatment for the common cold. Some studies have found that zinc lozenges may reduce the duration of cold, perhaps by a day or so, and may reduce the number of upper respiratory infections in children. 

Zinc helps fight infection and heal wounds. However, if you already have enough zinc from your diet, it is not clear that getting even more -- from supplements -- has a benefit.

Topical zinc is used to treat diaper rash and skin irritations. Zinc has also been shown to help with ulcers, ADHD, acne, sickle cell anemia, and other conditions.

In addition, zinc has also been studied as a treatment for herpes, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, and more. However, the evidence of zinc's benefit for these conditions is inconclusive.

Zinc may be part of an effective treatment for age-related macular degeneration, but more proof is needed.

Health care providers may recommend zinc supplements for people who have zinc deficiencies. Strict vegetarians, alcohol abusers, and people who have a poor diet are at higher risk for zinc deficiency, as well as those with certain digestive problems, such as Crohn's disease.