Zinc levels can drop with a poor diet, gastrointestinal disease, infection, or stress. Levels may rise temporarily after supplements, IV nutrition, or exposure to zinc-containing products.
Healthy zinc levels are typically about 60–130 µg/dL. May vary by lab and method.
Common signs include weakened immunity, slower wound healing, hair loss, dry skin, loss of taste or smell, and frequent infections.
Yes. Too much zinc — usually from excessive supplement use — can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or low copper levels over time.
Zinc deficiency is relatively uncommon in developed countries, though it can occur, especially among people with limited diets or conditions that affect absorption.
Some mail-in micronutrient panels include zinc, but blood draws through a clinical lab provide the most accurate results.
Eating foods like shellfish, beef, poultry, beans, nuts, and whole grains usually provides enough zinc. Supplements should be used only under medical guidance.
Usually, yes — if it’s ordered to evaluate symptoms or conditions related to deficiency or malnutrition. However, insurance is not required for lab testing through Hers.
• Copper
• Iron and ferritin
• Micronutrient or nutrition panels
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
• Albumin
