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An estimated two billion people world-wide are deficient in zinc, an element essential for immune health, central nervous system function, growth and reproduction, and much more.
Are you getting enough?
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What Are the Zinc Levels of GrassrootsHealth Participants? | | |
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Dear Jen,
Zinc is a key cofactor for approximately 3,000 proteins and enzymes in the body. It is necessary for nutrient metabolism, DNA and protein synthesis, immune system functioning, cell division, reproduction and fetal development, wound healing, sense of smell and taste, central nervous system function, and more. Zinc is a necessary component of certain proteins that bind and respond to specific molecules, including those that work with vitamins D and A. Zinc is also essential to the bioavailability and activity of other nutrients, including folate and quercetin. Studies have also shown that low levels of zinc in the body may increase the risk of diseases resulting from cadmium toxicity, due to the antagonistic relationship between zinc and cadmium.
Zinc is needed in very small quantities, but when found in greater concentrations than necessary, can become toxic. Deficiency in zinc can lead to compromised immune function and wound healing and can also affect taste and smell. Zinc in excess of 15 mg/day can lead to copper deficiency, impaired immune function, and can also have negative effects on the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio.
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Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency | |
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Since zinc is needed for such a wide variety of functions throughout the body, deficiency can show up through many different signs and symptoms, including
- demineralization of bones and teeth leading to weak bones, growth retardation, cavities and cracked teeth, and weak nails (with white spots)
- oral diseases such as mouth ulcers and inflamed gums
- altered sense of taste and smell
- loss of appetite, diarrhea
- skin issues including facial acne, eczema, and improper wound healing
- eye symptoms such as worsening or impaired vision, photophobia, and night blindness
- reproductive issues (zinc is required for production of sperm in men)
- emotional issues including anxiety and depression
- hair loss (with more severe zinc deficiency)
Learn more about the Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Zinc Deficiency
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Zinc Levels Among GrassrootsHealth Participants | |
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In the spring of 2019, GrassrootsHealth started offering a zinc test as part of the Elements Panel, which includes testing your vitamin D level along with essential elements magnesium, selenium, zinc, copper, and copper:zinc ratio, and toxic heavy metals cadmium, lead, and mercury. This test measures the amount of zinc within the red blood cells as well as within the serum, and for this reason, can be more accurate than a typical zinc test of the serum alone.
Among the 1,652 participants who had tested their zinc levels (as of June 2023), the average level was 7.2 mg/L which is at the high end of the lab reference range (5.37-7.94 mg/L). This average is greater than the average found in our last analysis (completed in 2020) of 6.74 mg/L. Note that the reference range indicates the range of typical results found in the population the lab serves but does not necessarily indicate the optimal range for health.
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While zinc is essential to the body, the optimal range for health is not known. Excess zinc can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and headaches so it’s important to identify this optimal range. Your ongoing participation in this project will contribute greatly to knowing what levels are optimal for health. We will continue to track this data and report any results back to you.
Ensure your zinc levels are within range! Help support a healthy immune system and more by testing today to find out your level of zinc, vitamin D, and other nutrients important for a healthy immune response.
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Improving Zinc Levels to Improve Immune Function
One study found that 42% of those who received 30 mg of zinc per day did not achieve adequate levels of zinc (70 µg/dL), suggesting that a higher dose or more time than the 3-month study period may have been necessary to achieve the target level.
Read More
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Immune Cells Need Nutrients – An Infographic to Share!
This post discuss the roles that vitamins and minerals play in optimizing immune function and reducing inflammation. Included is a downloadable infographic to share.
Read More
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Test to See if You Are Getting Enough Vitamin D, Zinc, and Other Important Nutrients | All purchases support vitamin D research and education. Measure your vitamin D and other important levels at home as part of the D*action project! Create your custom home test kit or choose from our top products below. |
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How Much Vitamin D do YOU Need to Get to 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/L)? | |
Did you know that everyone responds differently to vitamin D supplement amounts - by up to 6 times!? | |
Collaborators in Efficacy Research Projects | |
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Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamps
The Sperti Vitamin D Sunlamp, model D/UV-F, provides the special UVB rays needed for your body to produce Vitamin D. It is the only FDA recognized ultraviolet product for Vitamin D production in the human body, and independent studies have verified its effectiveness.
Look for our special project enrollment opportunity with Sperti!
See how the Vitamin D Sunlamp works for you: Save 10% with Coupon Code GRASSROOTS
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Highly Absorbed Magnesium
Dr. Carolyn Dean is a medical doctor, naturopath, and author of over 35 books including best seller The Magnesium Miracle. With 40 years of experience, she offers proprietary, unique formulations that give every individual at any stage of wellness or illness the necessary building blocks for sustained health, vitality and well-being.
Save 10% with Coupon Code GRH
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The Helen Knoll Foundation
The Helen Knoll Foundation (HKF) mission is to prevent breast cancer by empowering young women through risk awareness education, advocacy and access to age appropriate screenings. HKF with GrassrootsHealth is launching the Know YOUR Number campaign to help Stop Breast Cancer Before it Starts by working with local groups to provide vitamin D blood spot testing and project enrollment events.
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Have a Beautiful and Healthy Day! Onwards, | |
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GrassrootsHealth
315 S. Coast Hwy 101, Suite U-87
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 579-8141
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