Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of processes throughout the body.
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of processes throughout the body. It plays a part in the immune system, wound healing, taste and smell, skin and hormone activity, including testosterone. The body cannot store much zinc, so the level reflects both recent intake and how the body is using it. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
Diet matters most: diets with few animal products tend to give less zinc, and zinc from plants is taken up less easily. Hard physical training, pregnancy and a lot of alcohol can lower the level, and inflammation after a recent infection can lower it for a while. Zinc supplements raise it, and the time since the last meal also plays a part.
Foods that help
Oysters and other shellfish, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy. Pumpkin seeds, cashews, legumes, whole grains and tofu; soaking, sprouting or fermenting grains and legumes makes their zinc easier to take up.
Foods to limit
Large amounts of alcohol. High-dose iron or calcium supplements can compete with zinc, so large mineral doses without a clear need are best avoided.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →