Zinc is an essential trace mineral vital for the normal functioning of the pancreas, prostate gland and for reproductive organ growth. It plays a specific role in protein synthesis and is thus essential for cell growth. It plays an important role in the healing of wounds and burns. Within body cells, zinc is complexed with a variety of peptides, amino acids and enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme which has a role in combating free radicals in the body.