Zinc plays an important role in a wide spectrum of health aspects such as: metabolism on the cellular level, the immune system, wound and/or burn healing, and DNA and protein synthesis. This mineral is also believed to exhibit antioxidant properties protecting against aging. Severe zinc deficiency is a leading cause of death in underdeveloped countries, but even marginally low zinc levels can have a wide array of impacts on your health.
The zinc blood test is used to monitor exposure to zinc, evaluate suspected nutritional inadequacy, cases of diabetes or delayed wound healing; growth retardation; or to follow therapies like oral zinc therapy used in Wilson’s disease.
Common items that may cause zinc toxicity include:
- Cleaner and solvents
- Rust removing agents
- Paints and varnishes
High zinc levels can result in symptoms like:
- Chest pain
- Nausea and severe abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Coughing and respiratory tract irritation
- Fatigue/Lethargy
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Fever
- Headache
Deficient zinc levels can lead to:
- Delay in growth
- Impaired wound healing
- Skin lesions/Dry, scaling skin
- Altered senses of sight, smell and taste
- Impaired immune system
- Hair loss/Alopecia
- Diarrhea
- Impaired testosterone production
- Seizures
- Heart arrhythmia
- Diarrhea
Major dietary zinc sources include:
- Shellfish, especially oysters
- Beef and pork
- Poultry
- Legumes
- Dairy products
- Almonds and cashews