What is zinc?

Zinc is an essential element involved in a variety of bodily functions including haemoglobin production, immune health, wound healing, DNA production and protein production. Dietary zinc is commonly found in high protein foods such as meat, fish and dairy, it can also be found in nuts and seeds. Zinc is required only in trace amounts and is not readily stored in the body’s tissues. This means that dietary deficiency or excess of zinc can lead to symptoms. Symptoms associated with zinc deficiency include hair loss, slow wound healing, decreased ability to taste, eye and skin lesions, and sexual problems in males. Excess zinc (toxicity) can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and headaches.

Why take the test? This test measures the level of zinc within red blood cells. It is typically used as an early indicator of zinc deficiency.