Zinc in serum refers to the concentration of zinc, one of the essential trace elements, present in the serum, which is the fluid portion of blood after clotting. It is an important measure because zinc is found throughout the body and plays a vital role in numerous biological processes.
Zinc is not stored in any particular site in the body, therefore maintaining adequate serum levels through dietary intake and proper absorption is crucial.
Why is Serum Zinc Measured?
Measuring serum zinc levels helps assess an individual's zinc status. Zinc deficiency can occur when:
- Zinc needs exceed intake.
- There is malabsorption of zinc.
According to the reference, conditions and lifestyle factors often associated with zinc deficiency include:
- Alcoholism
- Pregnancy
- Burns
Therefore, measuring zinc in serum allows healthcare professionals to identify potential deficiencies and address them through dietary changes or supplementation.
