Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Minerals

Zinc

Zinc is vital for muscle repair, immune defence, and protein synthesis during recovery. Athletes may have increased zinc needs due to sweat losses and higher turnover.

What It Measures

This test measures the level of zinc in your blood serum. It helps assess your zinc nutritional status and can indicate deficiency or excess.

Why It Matters

Zinc supports immune defence, reproductive health, skin integrity, and cognitive function. Deficiency is common worldwide and may affect many aspects of health. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you experience frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, or changes in taste or smell. Vegetarians and those with digestive conditions may benefit from monitoring.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Symptoms of zinc deficiency may include weakened immunity, slow wound healing, hair loss, skin problems, loss of taste or smell, and decreased appetite.

High Levels

Excess zinc from supplementation may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, and can interfere with copper absorption. Consult your healthcare provider about supplementation.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low zinc may affect testosterone production and immune function. Consider zinc supplementation (15-30 mg daily) with food.

If High

High zinc may impair copper absorption and immune function. Reduce zinc supplementation.

Female

If Low

Low zinc may affect immune function and skin health. Consider zinc supplementation (15-25 mg daily) with food.

If High

High zinc may impair copper absorption and immune function. Reduce zinc supplementation.

Lifestyle Tips

Include zinc-rich foods such as oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains. If you follow a plant-based diet, soaking and sprouting grains and legumes may improve zinc absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can zinc help prevent colds?

Some research suggests zinc may support immune function and may help reduce the duration of colds when taken early. However, results vary and you should consult your healthcare provider.

Is zinc deficiency common?

Zinc deficiency is relatively common, especially in people with limited meat intake, digestive disorders, or high phytate diets. Testing can help identify if you are at risk.

Can I take too much zinc?

Yes, excessive zinc supplementation can cause side effects and interfere with copper absorption. Always follow recommended doses and consult your healthcare provider.