Zinc, Serum
Understanding Zinc, Serum
What is Zinc, Serum?
Zinc is one of the essential trace elements required by the body to perform vital functions like maintaining the immune system. It also helps in cell division and monitors wound healing, growth and development in children, and sexual development and reproduction. A deficiency of zinc in the body may lead to various physical ailments, and your body may show symptoms like frequent infections, diarrhea, or a reduced sense of smell and taste. A zinc test helps assess any deficiency of zinc which helps diagnose and treat any identified deficiencies. Also, this test helps monitor zinc exposure, delayed wound healing, growth retardation in children and therapies like oral zinc therapy, which is given to control excessive levels of copper(Wilson’s disease).
What is Zinc, Serum used for?
The Serum Zinc Test is performed:
· To determine the levels of zinc in the serum to determine deficiency
· To monitor treatment for zinc deficiency
What does Zinc, Serum measure?
Zinc is a mineral which is a micronutrient (required by the body in small amounts). It has a number of essential roles in the body. Zinc is a structural component of a number of proteins. It is essential in the synthesis of proteins and DNA, for cell division, and is necessary for proper enzymatic activity. It is also essential in the proper functioning of the immune system and in wound healing. Zinc is essential for proper physical and mental growth and development of children. It is also essential for the senses of taste and smell.
Zinc is absorbed primarily from dietary sources. It is transported in the serum bound to proteins, namely, albumin and alpha-macroglobulin. Excess zinc is disposed out of the body primarily through the feces, and a small amount through urine and sweat. The absorbed amount of zinc is utilized by almost all the cells of the body but is not stored anywhere in particular.
Interpreting Zinc, Serum results
Interpretations
Normal range:
Males: 75 to 291µg/dL
Females: 65 to 256µg/dL
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zinc, Serum
Frequently Asked Questions about Zinc, Serum
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
Q. Is there any preparation required before the Serum Zinc Test?
Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the result of Serum Zinc Test is not normal?
Q. What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?
Q. What are the symptoms of zinc overload?
Q. What factors can cause zinc deficiency?
Q. What are some food sources rich in zinc?
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