Zinc
The optimal range for Zinc (Plasma Zinc) is commonly cited as 90–120 μg/dL, tighter than the standard lab reference range of 70–120 μg/dL. Essential trace mineral for immunity, wound healing, and testosterone production - commonly deficient in vegetarian diets.
How Zinc ranges relate
The standard lab range vs the optimization-focused target. Illustrative trajectory shows what a 12-week improvement pattern looks like — not real user data.
What Zinc Measures
Zinc is required for ~100 enzymatic reactions, DNA synthesis, immune function, wound healing, and testosterone biosynthesis. Severe deficiency impairs immunity and is classic in alcoholism, celiac disease, and bariatric post-op states. Mild deficiency is common in vegetarians (phytates bind zinc) and the elderly.
Zinc:copper ratio matters - both competing for the same absorption pathway. High-dose zinc supplementation can drive copper deficiency.
What Affects This Biomarker
Zinc is influenced by: dietary intake (red meat, shellfish high; grains lower with phytates), GI absorption, chronic diarrhea, alcoholism, and supplementation. Oysters are the densest food source.
In the Context of Peptide Protocols
Worth checking annually in vegetarian users or those with impaired wound healing. Supplementation 15–25 mg elemental daily is the typical optimization range. Do not exceed 40 mg daily long-term without monitoring copper.
Peptides That Commonly Move Zinc
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zinc measure?
Zinc is required for ~100 enzymatic reactions, DNA synthesis, immune function, wound healing, and testosterone biosynthesis. Severe deficiency impairs immunity and is classic in alcoholism, celiac disease, and bariatric post-op states. Mild deficiency is common in vegetarians (phytates bind zinc) and the elderly.
What is the optimal range for Zinc?
The optimal range for Zinc is commonly cited as 90–120 μg/dL. The standard lab reference range is 70–120 μg/dL.
What affects Zinc levels?
Zinc is influenced by: dietary intake (red meat, shellfish high; grains lower with phytates), GI absorption, chronic diarrhea, alcoholism, and supplementation. Oysters are the densest food source.
Where This Fits in Your Panel
Zinc is one marker on a fuller panel. The Peptide Blood Work Checklist lays out the complete baseline panel, what to add by protocol type, and when to retest.
See the full blood work checklist →Upload any lab PDF and MyProtocolStack maps your values to Zinc and 40+ other biomarkers. StackAI interprets the trend in context of your protocol.
Start tracking →Last reviewed: June 2026
Informational only - not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by lab and individual context. Work with a licensed provider to interpret your specific results.