Understanding the marker
Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, taste and skin function. The blood test is used for specific questions about zinc availability.
Serum zinc can support a selected deficiency assessment but is affected by inflammation, timing and sample contamination. A low value is not a stand-alone diagnosis of dietary deficiency. High-dose zinc supplements can cause copper deficiency.
What does high Zinc mean?
A high zinc result needs assessment of any supplements and the sample's quality; contamination must be checked rather than assumed. Excess zinc intake can reduce copper availability, which may also need assessment.
What does low Zinc mean?
A low zinc result is assessed with intake, absorption, inflammation and sampling conditions. These can affect the blood level, so the result alone does not establish a dietary deficiency.
More markers in the same area
- Vitamin D (25-OH)the blood measure used to assess vitamin D supply
- Vitamin B12needed for nerves and red cells
- Folate (B9)helps your body make new cells
- Vitamin A (Retinol)for vision, immunity, and skin
- Vitamin E (alpha-Tocopherol)a vitamin that helps protect cell membranes
- Holotranscobalaminthe portion of B12 available for cells to take up
This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: October 2026.