Zinc (Zn)

Zinc is an important mineral for proper metabolism. While it is an essential nutrient, higher doses can be toxic, even leading to death if overconsumed. Zinc is an important mineral that is essential for proper metabolism in the body. However, at higher doses it is toxic; overconsumption can result in death.

Zinc interacts with copper, so taking too much zinc can result in a functional copper deficiency and vice versa.

Note that copper is relatively plentiful in Arizona soil and water; hence, zinc deficiency is more likely than copper deficiency. However, the best plan is to "test, don't guess."

Consult with a health care provider trained in biochemistry and nutrition, such as Dr. Weyrich, to optimize your zinc and copper balance in the body.

For more information, please see [Gaby2011, pg 151b] [Marz1999, pg 120]

[Gaby2011, pg 152] and [Marz1999, pg 121] list disorders and symptoms associated with zinc deficiency.

[Jain2014  🕮 ] reports the impact of zinc nutrition levels on thryoid function.

According to [Gaby2011, pg 153], serum zinc is an unreliable measure of zinc nutritional status.

According to [Marz1999, pg 121], white blood cell (WBC) levels "appear to be the most accurate method of evaluating zinc status."

Dr. Weyrich believes that the SpectraCell Comprehensive Micronutrient Test (based on white blood cells) and the Red Blood Cell (Erythrocyte) Mineral Panel may be reliable measures of functional zinc status. However, he is unaware of any supporting clinical evidence.

•       [Gaby2011]   Alan R. Gaby. Nutritional Medicine. Concord, NH: Fritz Perlberg Publishing (2011). Amazon
•       [Jain2014]   Ram B Jain. Thyroid function and serum copper, selenium, and zinc in general U.S. population. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2014 Jun;159(1-3):87-98. PMID: 24789479 DOI:  10.1007/s12011-014-9992-9 PAYWALL
•       [Marz1999]   Russell B Marz. Medical Nutrition from Marz, Second Edition. Portland, OR: Omni-Press (1999). Amazon