A staggering one in three adults in the UK receives less than the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for this mineral. This is largely a result of refining processes which remove up to 90% of the available zinc content from cereal grains, along with the trend to eat less animal-derived protein. Zinc is essential for all protein synthesis in the body. Any extra physical or mental demands made on the body can increase the need for zinc or cause our bodies to lose extra zinc. One fifth of zinc in the body is found to be in skin and it is involved in tissue renewal. Indeed the health of the nervous, immune and reproductive systems are all influenced by zinc, as are the senses of taste and smell. Many nutritionists now prefer the citrate form of zinc over all other types of zinc compound because it is known to be readily absorbed. LAMBERTS Zinc is essential for all protein synthesis in the body. Any extra physical or mental demands made on the body can increase the need for zinc or cause our bodies to lose extra zinc.