What is Zinc?
Zinc is a mineral commonly consumed via poultry or red meat. Zinc is an essential mineral, which means the body needs a minimum intake and absorption of zinc for optimal health. If zinc levels are below normal, fertility, immune system and gastrointestinal function may be affected. It is estimated that up to 25% of the world population currently suffers from hypozincemia or zinc deficiency.

If blood zinc levels are lower than normal, the patient may be suffering from malabsorption, malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease or sickle-cell anemia. Diabetes and other chronic illnesses may also play a role in zinc deficiency. Patients who’ve had gastric bypass surgery are at increased risk of zinc (and other vitamin) deficiencies due to reduced absorption.

Normal Value Range

• Negative Pregnancy Adult: 75 to 120 µg/dL or 11.5 to 18.5 µmol/L
• Pregnancy Trimester One: 57 to 88 µg/dL or 8.7 to 13.5 µmol/L
• Pregnancy Trimester Two: 51 to 80 µg/dL or 7.8 to 12.2 µmol/L
• Pregnancy Trimester Three: 50 to 77 µg/dL or 7.7 to 11.8 µmol/L

< Laboratory Values During Pregnancy