Zinc 24 Hour Urine

Zinc 24 Hour Urine Test is used to measure the zinc levels released per 24 hours in the urine from a 24-hour urine sample. This test helps to know whether you have normal or abnormal zinc levels in the urine.

What is the importance of Zinc (Zn)?

Zinc (Zn) is a mineral which is naturally present in many food items such as meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, almonds, cashews, legumes etc that we eat. It is also found within the cells throughout the body. The body needs zinc for a healthy immune system and producing cells. It helps in wound healing and sense of taste and smell. Zinc is essential for the infants and children to grow and develop properly. It is also needed for sexual development and a deficiency of zinc may lead to a variety of physical ailments.

Deficiency of zinc affects the production of new and healthy cells. Signs and symptoms of low levels of zinc are lack of alertness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, reduced sense of smell and taste, slow wound healing, sudden weight loss, open sores on the skin etc. If you are pregnant, deficiency of zinc may affect the growth and development of the fetus.

High levels of zinc in the body may occur due to zinc toxicity. Excessive intake of zinc supplements can cause zinc toxicity. Symptoms of high levels of zinc are chest pain, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, cough, fever, headache etc.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to know whether an individual is having normal or abnormal zinc levels in the urine. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience any signs and symptoms of low levels of zinc such as lack of alertness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, reduced sense of smell and taste, hair loss, slow wound healing, sudden weight loss, open sores on the skin etc. This test is also recommended in individuals taking zinc supplements to ensure adequate concentrations are achieved. However, your doctor may ask to perform a few more additionals tests to know the root cause for the deficiency.

How often this test is performed?

Patients with zinc deficiencies should perform this test on a regular basis, as instructed by the doctor.

Precautions:

Medications such as steroids, antibiotics, iron, oral contraceptives may alter the levels of zinc in the body. So inform your doctor about all the medications you take prior to the test.

If the test results fall in the normal reference range generally no medical intervention is necessary.

Low zinc levels in urine with low blood zinc levels may indicate zinc deficiency.

High zinc levels in urine with low blood zinc levels may indicate liver cirrhosis, hyperparathyroidism (an enlargement of parathyroid gland due to overproduction of parathyroid hormone), sickle cell anemia (a red blood cell disorder), viral hepatitis (swelling of the liver due to a viral infection). Individuals who consume alcohol may also have increased zinc levels in their urine. If you have higher or lower levels of zinc in the blood consult your doctor for further instructions.

High zinc levels in urine may also indicate zinc toxicity. Zinc toxicity can occur due to excessive intake of zinc supplements. Symptoms of zinc toxicity are chest pain, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, fever, headache etc.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.