Zinc is a mineral needed for immunity, wound healing, taste, smell, growth and hundreds of enzymes.
- Normal range (adults)
- 70–120 µg/dL (10.7–18.4 µmol/L)
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not usually needed
- Also called
- Serum Zinc, Zn, Zinc Level, Zinc Serum, S.Zinc
Zinc normal range
| Group | µg/dLConventional units: US, South Asia | µmol/LSI units: UK, Europe, Australia, international |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 70–120 | 10.7–18.4 |
Your report may use either unit system; labs in the Gulf often print both. Ranges also vary slightly between laboratories, so the range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Why is the Zinc test done?
It is checked for poor wound healing, hair loss, frequent infections, loss of taste and in some gut conditions.
What does a high Zinc level mean?
High zinc usually comes from supplements and can lower copper levels.
Common causes
- Long-term high-dose zinc supplements
- Zinc-containing denture creams
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Reduce or stop zinc supplements
What does a low Zinc level mean?
Low zinc can cause hair loss, poor appetite, slow healing, frequent infections and loss of taste.
Common causes
- Poor diet or vegetarian diet
- Diarrhoea and gut conditions
- Alcohol
- Diabetes and kidney disease
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Eat meat, chicken, seafood, eggs, dairy, pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas and lentils
- Soaking or sprouting legumes improves zinc absorption
When should you see a doctor?
Ask your doctor before long-term zinc supplements.
Last updated
This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.