Zinc is a powerful trace mineral responsible for hundreds of functions in your body. Used in all your cells, it’s a building block for about 3,000 proteins and required for over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body. While zinc is abundant in many foods, certain conditions that can keep you from absorbing and utilizing this vital mineral. Chronic stress, pregnancy, eating a diet high in grains, legumes, seeds and nuts, as well as being over 60, can put you at a higher risk of low levels of zinc.