Zinc is found in small quantities in the body (about two grams) and is essential for over 50 functions including all protein synthesis, growth and development, male reproductive system, insulin production and secretion, vision, digestion, prostate health, skin, hair and nail health, and immune system activity.

What is Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP)?

Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) is a normal metabolite that accumulates in trace amounts in erythrocytes (Red blood cells) during hemoglobin (=a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) synthesis (=the production of hemoglobin). 

The final step in the heme pathway involves the enzyme ferrochelatase, which binds ferrous iron with protoporphyrin IX through a process called chelation. This reaction is crucial for the synthesis of heme, a compound that plays a vital role in various biological functions such as oxygen transport. However, in cases of iron deficiency or impaired iron utilization, an alternative metal substrate, zinc, can be used by ferrochelatase. On the other hand, lead toxicity can interfere with the transfer of iron within cells, leading to a condition similar to iron deficiency. Essentially, lead toxicity mimics the effects of iron deficiency by disrupting the normal functioning of intracellular iron transfer. 

The Zinc Transporter 8 (ZnT8) antibody is a marker of significant interest in the field of endocrinology, particularly in relation to diabetes.

ZnT8 is a protein that plays a critical role in the insulin secretion process within the pancreas. It is involved in the transport of zinc ions into insulin-containing secretory vesicles, a step that is essential for the proper storage and processing of insulin.

The presence of antibodies against ZnT8 is indicative of an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the cells that produce insulin, leading to the destruction of these cells. This autoimmune response is a hallmark of Type 1 diabetes, making the ZnT8 antibody a valuable biomarker for early detection and diagnosis of the disease. Identifying the presence of ZnT8 antibodies can help in distinguishing Type 1 diabetes from other types of diabetes, which is crucial for determining the most effective treatment strategy. Moreover, the detection of ZnT8 antibodies can also be used for identifying individuals at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes, allowing for early intervention and potentially delaying or preventing the onset of the disease.

In healthy individuals, plasma or serum zinc are reliable markers of zinc status, mainly reflecting zinc intake. Because the effective regulation of zinc homeostasis buffers the functional response to dietary deficiency and excess, plasma zinc levels are generally considered a poor measure of marginal zinc deficiency.

In healthy individuals, plasma or serum zinc are reliable markers of zinc status, mainly reflecting zinc intake. Because the effective regulation of zinc homeostasis buffers the functional response to dietary deficiency and excess, plasma zinc levels are generally considered a poor measure of marginal zinc deficiency.

Zinc is an essential trace element. Subnormal levels are associated with alcoholic cirrhosis, cystic fibrosis, myocardial infarction, acute and chronic infections. High levels may be due to industrial exposure.

Zirconium is a trace element that appears on the NutriStat Basic Profile by US BioTek, typically measured to assess environmental exposure and potential health impacts. Zirconium is not known to play any essential biological role in the human body, and its presence is generally attributed to external sources rather than dietary intake.

Zirconium is one of the elements measured in hair element testing offered by Doctor's Data.

This test is designed to assess the levels of various elements, including both toxic and essential ones, in a person's hair.

Zirconium testing can be valuable for several purposes, such as evaluating toxic element exposure, assessing the effects of excessive fish consumption, and investigating conditions like alopecia, depression, fatigue, malabsorption, hypertension, and impaired health.

The ideal ratio between zinc and copper is 8:1 with an acceptable range from 4 to 12.

The minerals zinc and copper are influenced by several physiological factors, as well as hormonal factors, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Zinc is necessary for the production of progesterone and testosterone, while copper is influenced by estrogen.

Zinc and copper are also related to the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Their balance would reflect the activity of zinc and copper activated SOD. This ratio is affected by physiological conditions such as pregnancy, growth and development. Virus and bacterial infections can also influence the Zn/Cu ratio.

The Zn/Cu ratio (zinc to copper ratio) on a hair test panel is an important indicator of the body’s mineral balance. Zinc and copper are essential trace minerals that work together to support various biological processes, including immune function, energy production, and brain health. However, maintaining the right balance between these two is key to optimal health.

Zinc Transporter 8 Autoantibodies

- ZnT8 antibody distinguishes type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

- ZnT8 antibody identifies relatives of diabetic patients at most risk for developing diabetes.

- ZnT8 antibody predicts the future need for insulin treatment in adult-onset diabetic patients.

- ZnT8 antibody predicts the future development of diabetes mellitus in women with gestational diabetes.

Detects zinc transporter 8 autoantibodies (ZnT8), an autoimmune diabetes marker that is instrumental in the diagnosis of new-onset type 1 diabetes

What is Zonisamide?

Zonisamide is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and sometimes prescribed off-label for migraine prevention, neuropathic pain, and weight management. It works by stabilizing neuronal activity through sodium and calcium channel modulation, as well as by influencing GABAergic and dopaminergic systems.

Zonulin is a protein that opens intercellular tight junctions in the gut lining (the connections between epithelial cells that make up the gastrointestinal lining). Zonulin increases intestinal permeability in the jejunum and ileum and is considered a biomarker for barrier permeability.

Zonulin is a protein that opens intercellular tight junctions in the gut lining (the connections between epithelial cells that make up the gastrointestinal lining). Zonulin increases intestinal permeability in the jejunum and ileum and is considered a biomarker for barrier permeability.