Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immunity, taste, and wound healing.
Zinc is a trace mineral your body needs in small amounts for a strong immune system, wound healing, taste and smell, normal growth, and the function of hundreds of enzymes.
Your body does not store zinc in large amounts, so a steady supply from food matters. A blood test gives a snapshot of your current zinc status.
A zinc test can flag a deficiency, which can cause frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, and a reduced sense of taste. Low zinc can come from poor intake, gut conditions that limit absorption, or higher needs during illness.
High zinc is uncommon and usually relates to supplements. Because zinc levels fall during infection and inflammation, results are best read with that context in mind.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Ranges are guidance and vary by laboratory and method.
| Group | Reference range (SI) |
|---|---|
| Adults | 11 to 18 micromol/L |
Roughly 70 to 120 micrograms/dL. Aligned to German laboratory practice (DGKL). Always interpret against your own lab's range.
Zinc drops during infection and inflammation, which can mimic deficiency. Contamination from ordinary collection tubes, rubber stoppers, or skin can falsely raise the result. Levels are higher in the morning and after fasting. Recent zinc supplements raise the reading.
Best read with markers of inflammation such as CRP, since infection lowers zinc, and sometimes with albumin and copper.
What do my results mean? Higher levels often reflect supplements or contamination. Lower levels may point to low intake, poor absorption, or illness‑related shifts.
Do I need to fast? Fasting isn’t required. A morning sample and avoiding supplements for 24 hours can improve consistency.
What can affect my zinc result? Recent zinc products, meals, time of day, illness, exercise, pregnancy, low albumin, and hemolysis can shift levels.
How often should I test? If starting or changing supplements, recheck in 4 to 12 weeks, then periodically as advised by your clinician.
How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Share all supplements and medicines, your diet, and symptoms. Ask whether to also check copper or related tests.
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