Zinc

Test description

Zinc is a trace element involved in the function of over 300 enzymes. It is essential for a proper immune response, wound healing, protein and DNA synthesis, taste and smell perception, testosterone production, and semen quality. It also affects the condition of skin, hair, and nails, as well as mood stability. Zinc deficiency can be underestimated because its symptoms are non-specific: recurrent infections and prolonged colds, slow wound healing, acne and inflammatory skin lesions, hair loss, white spots on nails, impaired taste, reduced libido, and in men, worsening semen parameters. The risk increases in people on plant-based diets (phytates in cereals and legumes limit absorption), with intestinal diseases, chronic stress, intense training, and in seniors. It is worth remembering that zinc and copper compete for absorption – long-term supplementation with high doses of zinc without laboratory control can lead to secondary copper deficiency. Therefore, measuring the concentration before starting and after several months of supplementation is the safest approach.

Biomarkers measured