Zinc

Zinc is a mineral the body needs for immunity, wound healing, healthy skin and hair, and the senses of taste and smell. Blood zinc testing helps check whether you have a deficiency, for example with digestive diseases or a limited diet, or excess from long-term supplement use. This lets you know whether you need a supplement, instead of taking one blindly.

Who the test is for

• people with coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or prolonged diarrhoea;
• after bariatric surgery, meaning weight-loss surgery;
• people with chronic kidney or liver disease, diabetes or alcohol dependence;
• vegetarians and vegans, particularly with a high intake of whole grains and legumes;
• for reduced taste and smell, slow wound healing or inflammation of the skin around the mouth, on the hands and feet;
• people taking higher doses of zinc for a long time.

What the test reveals

The test measures the zinc concentration in serum, the liquid part of blood. The body does not have large zinc stores and keeps blood levels stable for a long time, so a mild deficiency may not be visible in the result. Your doctor therefore interprets the result alongside diet, symptoms and other findings.

Too much zinc is also harmful: taking higher doses long-term reduces copper absorption and can lead to a deficiency of copper, anaemia and a reduction in white blood cells. Read more about zinc sources, daily requirements and dietary supplements in the article on zinc.

Save with a panel

Test Zinc is also included in this panel.

Healthy hair, skin and nails panelVitamin B12, zinc, Vitamin D, folic acid, iron and 3Price of individual tests: 145.80€121.00€Details ›

The procedure and preparation

The sample is blood from a vein, and the draw takes a few minutes. A morning blood draw is best, because zinc levels fall after meals and during the day, so repeat results should be compared at the same time of day. Fasting is not essential unless glucose, blood lipids or PT are also being tested from the same blood draw. If you take zinc supplements, mention this when your blood is drawn. Agree with your doctor whether you should temporarily stop them before testing.

What your result means

• Low zinc may indicate deficiency due to reduced absorption, loss or insufficient intake. It need not be a true deficiency: blood zinc falls during inflammation and infection, with low albumin and during pregnancy. Your doctor therefore often also considers CRP.
• Normal zinc does not rule out a mild deficiency, particularly with symptoms and risk factors.
• Elevated zinc is most often due to supplements and less commonly occupational exposure, for example in electroplating. A doctor usually also requests copper and a complete blood count.

Zinc is expressed in µmol/L, and the reference interval depends on the method and is printed on the report. Your doctor interprets the result in relation to diet, symptoms and other tests.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood taken without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. Zinc is part of the Healthy hair, skin and nails panel, which also contains iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D and thyroid tests.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop taking zinc before the test?

Mention at the blood draw that you take it, and agree any interruption with your doctor. The decision depends on whether zinc deficiency or excess is being investigated.

Does hair analysis show zinc deficiency?

Not reliably. Zinc content in hair also depends on shampoos, colouring and other treatments, so blood tests are used for assessment.

Why is my zinc low while I am ill?

During inflammation and infection, zinc moves from the blood into the liver and other tissues, so blood levels are lower even though the body has enough. Your doctor may advise repeating the test when you recover.

Does zinc help with hair loss?

Only if there is a deficiency. Hair loss more often has other causes, such as iron deficiency or thyroid dysfunction, so testing first is better than taking supplements blindly.