Zinc Test

The test measures the level of zinc in your blood. Zinc is an essential trace mineral, needed in small amounts, to help activate over 300 enzymes in your body. Zinc helps to build and protect DNA, grow cells, heal wounds, build proteins, and strengthen your immune system. It can help reduce oxidative stress (when free radicals outnumber antioxidants), inflammation, and the risk of infection. Zinc is especially important during times when the body is changing quickly, such as during childhood or pregnancy. Zinc measurements are used to detect and monitor industrial, dietary, and accidental exposure to zinc. When zinc levels are out of balance, due to a vitamin deficiency or certain medical conditions, then these processes are not performed properly.

If you don’t eat enough zinc-rich foods, or if your body doesn’t store or absorb enough of it, you may have low levels. Too little zinc may cause weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It may also cause skin changes, vision problems, slow wound healing, irritability, hair loss, and frequent infections. Excessive zinc levels can interfere with the absorption of other essential nutrients like copper and iron.

Our bodies cannot make zinc, so we must get it from food or supplements. Although the zinc found naturally in meats is more completely absorbed than through plant foods, it is also found in eggs, legumes, mushrooms, tofu, tempeh, legumes, nuts, seeds, oysters, and seafood.