Zinc Blood Test
A Zinc Blood Test is ordered to monitor exposure to Zinc.
Description
Zinc deficiency, which affects about 2 billion people in the developing world, is associated with several diseases. In children, it causes growth retardation, infection susceptibility, delayed sexual maturation, and diarrhea, contributing to the death of about 800,000 children worldwide per year. Enzymes with a zinc atom in the reactive center are widespread in biochemistry, including alcohol dehydrogenase in humans. Consumption of excess zinc can cause lethargy, ataxia, and copper deficiency. Trace minerals are a group of tests that measure specific minerals, mostly in the blood, but at times in the urine or another body tissue or fluid. These minerals are substances that the body needs in minimal amounts regularly for normal functioning. They come into the body through the diet and are used in the production of hormones and enzymes, the regulation of glucose, and the formation of bone, teeth, muscles, connective tissue, and blood cells. They aid in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, promote wound healing, and are vital for the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
Common causes of zinc toxicity include:
- Cleaner and solvents
- Rust removing agents
- Paints and varnishes
- industrial exposure
- supplements
High zinc levels can result in symptoms like:
- Chest pain
- Nausea and severe abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Coughing and respiratory tract irritation
- Fatigue/Lethargy
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Fever
- Headache
Deficient zinc levels can lead to:
- Delay in growth
- Impaired wound healing
- Skin lesions/Dry, scaling skin
- Altered senses of sight, smell, and taste
- Impaired immune system
- Hair loss/Alopecia
- Diarrhea
- Impaired testosterone production
- Seizures
- Heart arrhythmia
- Diarrhea
