In the 'Lab Values - Nutrients' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about your zinc taste test results:
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Zinc. If you have taken the zinc taste test, what was your sensation?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"I have not taken it / don't know" |
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| 2. |
"Tasteless" |
Zinc test tasteless |
A symptom |
| 3. |
"Distinctly dry, metallic, fuzzy, sweet" |
Zinc test metallic/fuzzy/sweet |
A symptom |
| 4. |
"Slowly becoming objectionable (normal)" |
Zinc test slowly objectionable |
A symptom |
| 5. |
"Rapidly objectionable" |
Zinc test rapidly objectionable |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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Zinc Requirement |
The oral zinc test has proven to be a useful indicator of body reserves of zinc. Many doctors are doing this test in their offices now in place of a serum zinc test or along with other testing methods. |
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GLOSSARY
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.
Zinc
An essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Zinc is necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth.
Zinc Taste Test (Oral Zinc Test)
A 10-second test that uses a dilute solution of zinc sulphate heptahydrate to determine the extent of zinc deficiency based on an individual's taste sensations.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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