Table 3.

Functions of immunity building trace elements and minerals in the human body along with their food sources.

Name	Function	Food sources	References
Zinc	Imperative in wound and scar healing, neurocognitive health, development of innate and adaptive immune response against invading viruses and bacteria.	Shellfish, toasted wheat germ, spinach, cashews, pumpkin, sesame seeds, squash, baked beans, chickpeas, dark chocolate	(39)
Copper	Required for maintaining nerve cells, lung elasticity, metabolism, making red and white blood cells, development and differentiation of immune cells	Oysters, organ meat, nuts, seeds, shitake mushrooms, lobster, liver, yeasts, black pepper, potatoes, leafy greens, and dark chocolate.	(40)
Selenium	Protects against oxidative damage and infection, thyroid gland functioning, key nutrient in counteracting virulence development, enhances vaccine responsiveness, development and differentiation of immune cells, delayed-type hypersensitivity activity	Milk and other dairy products, nuts, sea foods, organ meats, cereals, and grains	(41)
Magnesium	Regulates biochemical reactions, glucose levels, protein synthesis, neurological and muscle functions, regulates innate immunity, anti-inflammatory, antibody synthesis.	Almonds, spinach, roasted cashews, peanuts, soy milk, avocado, brown rice, yogurt, beans, banana.	(42)

Like vitamins, minerals and trace elements are classified as nutrients, which support several bodily functions, including immunity optimization, and energy production. Antiviral properties of some of the minerals (magnesium) and trace elements (zinc, copper, and selenium) have been backed with strong scientific evidence.