Are You Getting Sufficient Amounts of This Mineral That Fights Illness?
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
Overview
A vital mineral is necessary for combating illnesses, supporting metabolism, heart function, and aiding in healing from injuries. Surprisingly, approximately one billion people globally (17% of the population) lack an adequate amount of this nutrient. Although a blood test can identify severe deficiencies in this mineral, it is unable to detect moderate deficiencies that still pose health risks. Regrettably, there is no dependable and approved method for measuring levels of this nutrient. Nevertheless, ongoing research endeavors are working towards changing this scenario. Here is what you need to know... In the exploration of the role of zinc in the body, researchers have made significant advancements but lack a reliable test to assess an individual's zinc levels. Recognizing this gap, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for researchers to create an accurate test for zinc deficiency. A group of scientists from Cornell and the University of Connecticut has made progress by introducing a comprehensive test to determine an individual's zinc level.Challenges in Measuring Zinc Levels
The development of the Zinc Status Index (ZSI) test has been challenging due to the intricate nature of zinc metabolism. Dr. Elad Tako from Cornell explains, "Due to the complexity and sophistication of zinc metabolism, accurately measuring zinc status is very challenging." The ZSI test involves a three-step analysis to ascertain if one is consuming adequate zinc for optimal health, as mentioned by Jacquelyn Cheng. The ZSI test examines:- Fatty acid ratios: The balance of specific fatty acids in the body, indicating zinc deficiency if skewed.
- Gene expression of proteins: Assessing the gene expression of zinc-dependent proteins in cells.
- Probiotic bacteria: Monitoring alterations in gut bacteria composition due to insufficient zinc.
Impact of Zinc Deficiency on Health
Recent studies have emphasized the harmful consequences of zinc deficiency on health. For example:- Low zinc levels and high blood pressure: Studies suggest that zinc helps regulate blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
- Zinc deficiency and autism risk: Inadequate zinc levels may impact brain cell connections, potentially elevating the risk of autism.
- Heart vulnerability to oxidative stress: Insufficient zinc levels can make the heart susceptible to harm from free radicals.
