Zinc is a primary nutrient that we need to thrive. It’s used in a variety of functions through the body including wound healing and creation of DNA. In North America, zinc deficiencies are rare and an unusually high level of zinc in the blood usually indicates iron deficiency or lead poisoning.

Zinc, a trace element found in nearly every cell of the human body, is an essential component measured in the Toxic and Essential Elements panel using a whole blood sample. This panel assesses the levels of various elements that are vital for health, as well as those that could be harmful in excess. Zinc's role in the body is multifaceted; it acts as a catalytic agent in over 300 enzymes, plays a critical role in protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. It is also crucial for proper immune system function and has a significant impact on the body's metabolic rate.

A high level of zinc (Zn) in hair may be indicative of low Zn in cells, and functional Zn deficiency. Zn can be displaced from proteins such as intracellular metallothionein by other metals, particularly cadmium, lead, copper, and mercury (Toxicology of Metals, 1994), resulting in paradoxically elevated hair Zn. Zn may also be high in hair as a result of the use of Zn- containing anti-dandruff shampoo. Rough or dry, flaky skin is a symptom of Zn deficiency, so it is not uncommon for Zn deficient patients to use an anti-dandruff shampoo.

The marker Zinc on a Comprehensive Urine Element Profile panel from Genova Diagnostics is used to assess the amount of zinc that is being excreted in an individual's urine. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays crucial roles in various bodily functions, including immune response, DNA synthesis, and protein production.

A high level of zinc (Zn) in hair may be indicative of low Zn in cells, and functional Zn deficiency. Zn can be displaced from proteins such as intracellular metallothionein by other metals, particularly cadmium, lead, copper, and mercury (Toxicology of Metals, 1994), resulting in paradoxically elevated hair Zn. Zn may also be high in hair as a result of the use of Zn- containing anti-dandruff shampoo. Rough or dry, flaky skin is a symptom of Zn deficiency, so it is not uncommon for Zn deficient patients to use an anti-dandruff shampoo.

The primary role of zinc is to activate almost 200 enzymes with vital roles in cell regulation, immune function, acid/base balance, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, eicosanoid production, and digestion. Zinc also is a component of insulin (energy metabolism), thymic hormones (immune function) and gustin (taste acuity).

Zinc plays a vital role in immunity, protein metabolism, heme synthesis, growth & development, reproduction, digestion and antioxidant function.

Zinc is a primary nutrient that we need to thrive. It’s used in a variety of functions through the body including wound healing and creation of DNA. In North America, zinc deficiencies are rare and an unusually high level of zinc in the blood usually indicates iron deficiency or lead poisoning.