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Zinc
A trace element of immunity, skin and wound healing. Deficiency often hides behind “fatigue and hair loss”.
Other names: Zinc, ZnSection: Trace elementsSpecialist: Primary care physician, dermatologistSample: Venous blood
Updated: September 17, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortNormal zinc in serum is 0.66–1.10 mg/L (10–17 µmol/L). Deficiency gives hair loss, brittle nails, frequent infections and slow wound healing. The level falls with inflammation — the result is read together with CRP.
What this marker is
Zinc is a cofactor of hundreds of enzymes: immunity, protein synthesis, wound healing, taste and smell. The body has almost no zinc depot, so deficiency develops within months of insufficient intake.
A key feature of the test: with inflammation zinc leaves the blood into tissues, and the level drops without a true deficiency. So the result is always weighed against CRP and the overall picture.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Adults
0.66–1.10 mg/L (10–17 µmol/L)
Children
0.6–1.0 mg/L — roughly, per the lab report
Blood is taken in the morning fasting: the level falls after food and toward evening. With a cold or inflammation the result is lowered — retest 2–3 weeks after recovery. Ranges differ between laboratories.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
An approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Ranges differ between laboratories — use the one on your report; a doctor interprets the result.
Units and conversion
Measured in: µmol/L
µmol/L=µg/dL
µg/dL = µmol/L × 6.54 (zinc, molar mass 65.4)
When it is high or appears: possible causes
Excess supplementsLong-term high doses impair copper absorption — copper deficiency as a consequence.
Zinc ointments and spraysChronic excessive intake.
When it is low: possible causes
Insufficient dietLittle meat, seafood, legumes; strict vegetarian rations without correction.
Impaired absorptionGI disease, phytates of cereals reduce uptake.
LossesProlonged diarrhea, extensive wounds and burns.
These factors can shift the result without any disease — keep them in mind before a retest:
A recent infection (lowers it)Food before the testZinc supplementsTime of day (lower in the evening)
How to prepare
In the morning, fasting (8–12 hours), venous blood. Biotin (vitamin B7) in multivitamins can distort some immunoassays — tell the doctor about supplements. Details: Preparation: venous blood.
When a retest makes sense
Deficiency is confirmed by a repeat test in 2–4 weeks; monitoring during supplements is set by the doctor, usually at 8–12 weeks.
Who usually reviews this result
An out-of-range result is usually reviewed by: Primary care physician, dermatologist. Bring your report and any previous results to the visit.
Names used on lab reports
Look for one of these names on your report: ZincZincZinc
Several markers on your report?
The app reads your whole report — this marker together with its neighbors, not one by one.
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