Zinc (Whole Blood)

This test measures the amount of zinc in the serum/plasma/urine. Zinc is an essential trace element with important functions throughout the body. Zinc is important for protein synthesis, enzyme function and plays a structural role in proteins and nucleic acids.
Zinc is a component of many high protein foods such as meat, fish and dairy products. It is present in vegetables and grains but the bioavailability is reduced because dietary fibres can inhibit its absorption.
Zinc deficiency can present clinically with hair loss, poor wound healing, dermatitis and impaired immune function. In children zinc deficiency can cause growth retardation.
Conditions commonly associated with zinc deficiency include: Alcoholism, pregnancy & burns.