Normal Reference Ranges
Adult
60 - 120 mcg/dL
Pediatric
60 - 120 mcg/dL
Clinical Significance
Essential cofactor for over 300 enzymes. Deficiency causes impaired wound healing, dysgeusia (taste distortion), alopecia, hypogonadism, and immune dysfunction.
Causes of High
- Excessive supplementation
- Industrial metal fume inhalation
Causes of Low
- Malabsorption (Crohn's, Celiac)
- Acrodermatitis enteropathica (genetic defect)
- Alcoholism
- Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) without zinc supplementation