Zinc
Zinc is a mineral for immunity, wound healing, taste/smell, skin and growth. The body does not store much of it, so it depends on regular intake from food (meat, seafood, nuts, legumes).
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Talk to a doctor | below 11 µmol/L | Low zinc — diet/absorption. |
| Good | 11 – 18 µmol/L | Within the reference range. |
| Talk to a doctor | 18 µmol/L and above | High zinc — interpret in context. |
Why it matters
EFSA: low with poor diet/absorption.
If it’s low
Low zinc can worsen immunity, healing and skin, and impair taste/smell. Common with poor diet or malabsorption.
If it’s high
High zinc is almost always from supplements; long-term high doses interfere with copper absorption and immunity.
What to do
Low: more meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes; short-term supplement after consultation. Do not take high doses for long.
Read together with
Ferritin
Part of the guide: Vitamins & minerals →
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
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