Lever
Lifestyle
- Ensure adequate dietary intake
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Manage chronic health conditions
Blutwerte · Marker
Zink
Zinc · Serum Zinc · Zn
ElektrolyteZeitabhängig
- Einheit:
- mg/L
- Abbreviation
- Zn
Zinc test quantifies the concentration of zinc in the blood, reflecting the body's zinc status.
Reference Ranges
Reference
0.66–1.1mg/L
0.66
12
18
1.1
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · mg/LReference ranges may vary slightly based on the laboratory and population studied.
Overview
Übersicht
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that plays a vital role in numerous biological processes, including immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. It is a component of over 300 enzymes and is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. Zinc levels in the blood are typically measured to assess zinc status in the body, with serum or plasma zinc concentration being the most common method. Clinically, zinc is important for evaluating nutritional status and is implicated in various health conditions. Researchers have found that zinc levels are altered in conditions such as sepsis, where zinc redistributes from serum to the liver, potentially serving as a biomarker for disease severity and outcome. Zinc deficiency is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, affecting immune function and increasing susceptibility to infections. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, zinc is essential for maintaining optimal immune function and recovery. Adequate zinc levels are necessary for testosterone production and muscle repair, making it relevant for athletes and those interested in longevity. However, zinc levels can be influenced by several factors, including dietary intake, absorption efficiency, and physiological states such as stress or infection. Time of day and fasting status can also affect zinc measurements, as can the presence of other trace elements or supplements. Therefore, interpreting zinc levels requires careful consideration of these confounding factors to ensure accurate assessment.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated zinc levels can indicate excessive supplementation or exposure to zinc-containing substances. Reduced zinc levels suggest deficiency, which can impair immune function and wound healing.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising zinc levels may suggest excessive supplementation or exposure; re-evaluate supplementation and retest in 4 weeks.
Falling Values
Progressively falling zinc levels may indicate worsening nutritional status or increased physiological demand.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Excessive zinc supplementation
- Ingestion of zinc-containing products
- Occupational exposure
- Wilson disease treatment
- Acute phase response
Cause
Low Levels
- Inadequate dietary intake
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Increased physiological demand
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Consume zinc-rich foods like meat and shellfish
- Include legumes and seeds in the diet
- Incorporate dairy products
Lever
Supplementation
- Zinc gluconate
- Zinc acetate
- Zinc sulfate
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting zinc supplementation, especially if taking other medications or supplements.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
Zinc levels can vary throughout the day; consistent timing is recommended for repeat tests.
Testing Frequency
Annually for those at risk of deficiency, more frequently if clinically indicated.
Interfering Factors
- Recent food intake
- Acute infections
- Use of oral contraceptives
Related Peptides & Hormones
Serum Albumin
hormone or peptideCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the lack of reliable biomarkers for zinc deficiency in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) complicates the establishment of reference ranges and optimal targets for zinc supplementation. Researchers have not yet established the most effective delivery methods for preventive zinc supplementation or the impact of dietary diversification on zinc status. Additionally, clinical questions remain regarding the efficacy of zinc as a biomarker for sepsis outcomes and the potential benefits of zinc supplementation in neonatal sepsis management.
22 Research Publications
746
Total Citations
1
Human/RCT
3.8
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Zinc deficiency in low- and middle-income countries: prevalence and approaches for mitigation.
ReviewInfluence16.0
236
This review addressed the prevalence of zinc deficiency in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers found that zinc deficiency is a significant public health issue, with many countries reporting high prevalence rates, and highlighted the need for effective supplementation strategies.
02Top
#02
Roles of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in cancer.
ReviewInfluence3.0
127
This review discussed the role of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in cancer. Researchers found that MMP-7 is involved in cancer progression and may serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosing and prognosing various cancers.
03Top
#03
Zinc and Sepsis.
ReviewInfluence2.0
83
This study examined the role of zinc in sepsis, a severe infection-related condition. Researchers found that zinc levels in the body correlate with the severity of sepsis and may serve as a potential diagnostic marker for predicting outcomes. Additionally, alterations in zinc concentrations could play a role in the immune response during sepsis.
04
#04
[Diagnosis of zinc deficiency].
Roth H P & Kirchgessner M · Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie · 1999
ReviewInfluence4.0
67
Researchers discussed the challenges in diagnosing marginal zinc deficiency, which is more common than previously thought. The study highlighted the need for sensitive diagnostic parameters to assess zinc status effectively. It emphasized that suboptimal zinc levels can significantly impact health and development.
Key findings
- 01Marginal zinc deficiency is prevalent but difficult to diagnose due to the absence of classical symptoms.
- 02Sensitive diagnostic parameters, like zinc-binding capacity and alkaline phosphatase activity, are crucial for accurate assessment.
- 03A combination of different tests is recommended to reliably evaluate a person's zinc status.
05
#05
Zinc as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Health.
ReviewInfluence3.0
61
This study examined the relationship between zinc levels and cardiovascular health. Researchers found that zinc deficiency is linked to various cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that maintaining proper zinc levels may be important for cardiovascular health.
06
#06
Advances of Zinc Signaling Studies in Prostate Cancer.
ReviewInfluence1.0
60
This review summarized the role of zinc signaling in prostate cancer. Researchers found that zinc levels decrease in prostate tumors and may serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and therapy.
07
#07
Zinc and skin: a brief summary.
ReviewInfluence3.0
55
This brief summary focused on zinc's role in skin health. Researchers observed that zinc deficiency can lead to various skin lesions, and while serum zinc levels are not always reliable indicators, zinc supplementation can improve skin conditions.
08
#08
Clinical Significance of Trace Element Zinc in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.
Review
19
This review highlighted the importance of zinc in patients with chronic kidney disease. Researchers found that zinc deficiency is linked to various health complications, suggesting a need for careful management.
09
#09
The relationship between serum zinc levels and myopia.
UnknownInfluence1.0
10
This study investigated the relationship between serum zinc levels and myopia in adolescents. Researchers found no significant association between zinc levels and myopia development, indicating a lack of dietary influence.
10
#10
Role of Zinc in Neonatal Sepsis.
Review
10
This study explored the potential of zinc as a biomarker for neonatal sepsis. Researchers found that zinc levels in serum may correlate with sepsis outcomes in infants, suggesting its role in enhancing the immune response against infections.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Zink over time
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