Which of the following nutrients plays a crucial role in the maintenance of epithelial barrier function in the small intestine?

A Vitamin A
B Vitamin D
C Zinc
D Omega-3 fatty acids
Zinc is essential for the maintenance of epithelial barrier function, and its deficiency can lead to impaired gut barrier function and increased risk of infections.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) publications
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders Nutrition and Gut Health Micronutrients and Intestinal Function Medium MEDICAL Confidence: medium