What is the role of zinc in the body?

Zinc plays a vital and multifaceted role in the body, particularly in contributing to immune function and promoting wound healing. It is essential for the proper functioning of immune cells, including T lymphocytes, which are crucial for adaptive immunity. A deficiency in zinc can lead to a compromised immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections.

Additionally, zinc is involved in the synthesis and function of proteins necessary for optimal healing. It plays a critical role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Thus, the ability of zinc to support both immune health and the healing process makes it indispensable for overall health.

The other options, while they might imply important functions of various nutrients, do not specifically relate to zinc's primary roles as effectively as option B does. Muscle growth typically relates more to proteins and other nutrients, while fat metabolism involves other micronutrients. Hormone production is influenced by a range of factors, and although zinc plays a role in some hormonal functions, it is not as directly linked to hormone production as it is to immune function and wound healing.