COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 194
● Deficiency symptoms: Fatigue, anemia, frequent infections,
bone loss, skin pigmentation changes, or high
cholesterol4especially with digestive issues (like Crohn’s or
Celiac) or high zinc intake.
● Toxicity risks: Liver disease, use of copper pipes (especially
with hot tap water), or genetic conditions like Wilson’s
disease. Symptoms may include nausea, mood changes, or
neurological issues.
● Related conditions: Thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases,
unexplained anemia, or neurological symptoms.
Range
Units
Conventional
0.7-1.8 mcg/mL
Optimal / Functional
0.7-1.8 mcg/mL
Zinc
Zinc levels in the body can be influenced by several factors, such
as low albumin4a protein often reduced in conditions like Crohn’s
disease or celiac disease4and chronic diarrhea, which can
impair absorption.
Certain medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for
acid reflux and ACE inhibitors or diuretics for high blood pressure,
may also lower zinc levels.
When to use this test:
● If copper levels are low- excess zinc can deplete copper in
the body.
● Clients experiencing frequent infections or poor wound
healing.
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