To recap from recent posts - zinc is needed for thymus gland function, which is needed to make antibodies; zinc is needed for immature T-cells to mature into immune cells that can kill infectious pathogens or infected cells; zinc is needed to make bitter taste receptors which are needed for many functions throughout the body in addition to being on our tongue and sensing the bitter tasting phytonutrients in our foods, or bitter tasting toxins which we need to avoid.