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
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