Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral required for immune function, wound healing, taste and smell, DNA synthesis, and testosterone production. Deficiency is common in vegetarians, older adults, alcohol users, and people with GI disorders and can cause slow wound healing, hair loss, and frequent infections. Excess supplementation can deplete copper and impair immunity.
Optimal range: who says what
Institutions, researchers and practitioners draw the line in different places. Each position is listed with who holds it and, where a document states it, a link. How we verify ranges.
- Named practitioner>95 μg/dLLife Extension · Lab Testing Protocol (Suggested Optimal Ranges)Disclosure: Life Extension sells lab panels that appear in our blood-test comparisons.
- No stated targetNo separate optimal establishedBalance with copper matters; long-term high-dose zinc depletes copper
- Lab reference interval60-120 mcg/dLWhat a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
Practitioner targets are individual positions, often tighter than guideline ranges. Each was checked against its article before publishing.
5 providers include this
Electrolytes & Minerals
Why Zinc matters
Critical for immune function, wound healing, taste/smell, and testosterone production. Deficiency common in vegetarians, elderly, and those with GI disorders. Important for zinc-to-copper ratio.
Which Providers Test Zinc?
Function Health is both the cheapest ($365/year) and the most comprehensive (160+ biomarkers) panel that includes Zinc.
5 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
 Function Health | $365 | 160+ | $2.28 |
| $365 | 100+ | $3.65 | |
| $499 | 100+ | $4.99 | |
| $700 | 138 | $5.07 | |
| $1950 | 130+ | $15.00 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
16 itemized panels do not include Zinc
Superpower · WHOOP Advanced Labs · Labcorp OnDemand · Life Extension Elite · Everlywell · Mito Health · InsideTracker · Marek Health Base · Marek Health Comprehensive · Marek Health Complete · Empirical Health · Oura Health Panels · SiPhox Health · Hims Labs · Healthspan · Vitality Blueprint Standard
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer Zinc. Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Experts discussing Zinc
Podcast episodes where clinicians and researchers cover this marker in depth. Curated by hand; an episode is listed only when the marker is a substantial topic, not a passing mention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for Zinc?
No separate optimal established: Balance with copper matters; long-term high-dose zinc depletes copper. Named practitioners target: >95 μg/dL (Life Extension). Lab reference interval: 60-120 mcg/dL. That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include Zinc?
5 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include Zinc in their panels. This biomarker has limited availability.
Related: YouBoost rates lifestyle and supplement interventions by evidence.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Sep 23, 2026 · First published Nov 30, 2025