Serum Zinc
What This Test Measures
Immune function, hormone production, antioxidant
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Gabriel's optimal band for zinc is 99-130 μg/dL. Low zinc (<80) = poor immune function, low testosterone, hair loss, skin issues. Vegetarian and low-protein diets tend to be low in zinc (MedlinePlus). Long-term high zinc intake can lead to copper deficiency (MedlinePlus), so keep zinc and copper in balance.
When This Test Is High
Rare (supplementation toxicity)
When This Test Is Low
Immune dysfunction, low testosterone, hair loss, poor wound healing
Related Conditions
Immune deficiency, hypogonadism, skin issues
Recommended Follow-Up
If low, start with zinc-rich foods (oysters, meat, seeds). The adult RDA is 8-11 mg a day and the upper limit is 40 mg a day from all sources (National Academies). A licensed clinician may suggest more for a deficiency; long-term high zinc can lower copper, so balance with copper; recheck in 2-3 months