Immune & Allergy - Bloody Good
Vitamins & Minerals

Zinc

The Zinc Blood Test measures levels of zinc, an essential mineral needed for immune function, wound healing, hormone balance, and metabolism. Low zinc can lead to poor immunity, skin problems, and fertility issues, while high levels may indicate excessive supplementation or exposure.

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Zinc

Concerned about frequent infections, slow wound healing, changes in taste or smell, or wondering if your zinc levels support optimal immune function and cellular health?

Overview

Think of zinc as your body's ultimate multi-tool – a mineral that's quietly working overtime in more than 300 different processes to keep you healthy and functioning at your best. Just like a master craftsman needs the right tools for quality work, your immune system, wound healing, and cellular repair processes all depend on having adequate zinc to do their jobs properly. This essential mineral acts as a gatekeeper for your immune system, helping your white blood cells fight off infections, while also supporting everything from your senses of taste and smell to healthy skin and reproductive function.

Here's the tricky part: your body can't store zinc like a savings account, so you need a steady supply from foods like meat, seafood, and nuts to maintain optimal levels. A zinc test reveals whether you're getting that sweet spot balance, because both too little and too much can cause problems. Low zinc levels can leave you with a sluggish immune system, slow-healing cuts, dulled taste and smell, or even affect growth and development, while excess zinc can actually backfire and interfere with other important minerals like copper. Testing helps ensure you're in that "just right" zone where your body's master craftsman has all the tools needed to keep you healthy and thriving.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Frequent infections (more than 4 colds per year) Slow healing of cuts or wounds Adult acne or persistent breakouts Hair falling out in clumps Complete loss of taste Loss of smell Delayed wound healing Changes in taste or smell White spots on nails Skin that feels tight or rough Chronic skin itching without visible rash Bald patches or circular hair loss White spots on fingernails Metallic taste in mouth Everything tastes salty or bitter Phantom smells

Purpose

Essential for anyone with frequent infections, slow wound healing, or compromised immune function. Important for vegetarians, vegans, older adults, pregnant women, and people with digestive disorders. Valuable for those with skin conditions, fertility issues, or anyone wanting to optimize immune health and cellular function.

How to prepare

Fasting for 8-12 hours recommended for most accurate results. Avoid zinc supplements for 24 hours before testing unless specifically advised otherwise. Morning collection preferred as zinc levels can fluctuate throughout the day. Avoid contamination from zinc-containing items like certain bandages or topical preparations before testing.

Understanding results

Normal range: 12-20 μmol/L (80-130 μg/dL). Deficient: <12 μmol/L; Adequate: 12-20 μmol/L; High: >20 μmol/L. Low levels may indicate dietary deficiency, malabsorption, chronic illness, or increased requirements. High levels are rare but can occur with excessive supplementation and may interfere with copper absorption.

After the test

If levels are low, discuss zinc supplementation and dietary changes with your healthcare provider. Identify and address underlying causes such as malabsorption, inadequate dietary intake, or increased requirements. Monitor for improvement with follow-up testing. If levels are high, review supplementation and assess for potential copper deficiency. Regular monitoring may be needed during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Common signs include frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, loss of taste or smell, poor appetite, skin problems, and in children, growth retardation. Severe deficiency can significantly impair immune function.
  • Yes, zinc-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood (especially oysters), nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. However, plant-based sources have lower bioavailability, so vegetarians may need higher intakes.
  • Zinc is essential for proper immune cell development and function. It helps white blood cells fight infections, supports wound healing, and acts as an antioxidant. Even mild deficiency can significantly impair immune response.
  • Yes, excessive zinc (usually from supplements) can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and copper deficiency. Long-term high intake may impair immune function and HDL cholesterol levels.
  • High-dose iron supplements, calcium, certain medications, phytates in grains and legumes, and chronic digestive conditions can reduce zinc absorption. Coffee and tea may also interfere if consumed with zinc-rich meals.
  • With appropriate supplementation, zinc levels typically improve within 2-4 weeks, with clinical symptoms often improving within 1-2 weeks. Follow-up testing helps ensure adequate repletion.
Zinc

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What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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