Minerals Nutrient Elements Calcium Chromium Copper Magnesium Manganese Selenium Zinc Toxic Elements Aluminum Arsenic Cadmium Lead Mercury

Zinc (Zn) Turn-around time = 5 to 7 days. Specimen required is outlined in each specific segment: urine, RBC, serum, hair. Deficiency symptoms of zinc may include stunted growth, poor wound healing, loss of taste and smell, sterility, impotence, prostate problems, lower disease resistance, acne or skin problems and may contribute to liver, kidney and heart disease. Zinc is second to iron as being the most abundant trace mineral present in the body. It is an important component of nearly 300 enzymes in different species. It is found in high concentrations in the prostate, semen, liver, kidney, hippocampus, retina, bone and muscle. Zinc is important in DNA and protein synthesis, fertility, skin growth, healing, taste buds, protein digestion, carbon dioxide removal, disease resistance, immunity, etc. Too much calcium, copper or fiber in the diet, or the use of oral contraceptives may increase the need for zinc. The RDA for zinc is 11 mg/day. It is found in oysters, herring, clams, wheat germ, bran, oatmeal, liver, nuts, beef, lamb, chicken, peas and carrots. The methodology is by ICP as described above. Expected values in our laboratory for zinc are: RBC = 8.6 to 15.8 ug/mL Serum = 0.5 to 1.2 ug/mL Hair = 80 to 180 ug/g Urine Pre-chelation = 250 to 1200 ug/24 hr Urine Post-chelation = 8000 to 23000 ug/24 hr Selected References: Rips, S, Ripa, R.: Zinc and diabetes mellitus. Minerva Med., 86:415-421, 1995. Prasad, A.S.: Laboratory diagnosis of zinc deficiency. J. Am. Coll. Nutr., 4:591-598, 1985. Sandstead, H.H.: Requirements and toxicity of essential trace elements, illustrated by zinc and copper. Amer. J. Clin. Nutr., 61:621-624, 1995. Back to Minerals Home Page

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