Zearalenone (ZEN), a potent mycotoxin commonly found in contaminated crops, is increasingly recognized as a critical marker in Total Tox Burden panels due to its significant impact on health. Produced primarily by Fusarium species of fungi, ZEN is often detected in a variety of agricultural products, including cereals, maize, and other grains, especially under conditions favoring fungal growth, such as high humidity and temperature. Structurally similar to natural estrogenic compounds, ZEN exhibits strong estrogenic activity, leading to potential endocrine disruption in both humans and animals. This mycotoxin binds competitively to estrogen receptors, potentially causing reproductive disorders, immunological effects, and even carcinogenic outcomes.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium fungi, commonly found in cereals like maize, wheat, barley, and other crops. ZEN is known for its estrogenic activity because it structurally resembles estrogen and can mimic its effects in animals and humans. This mycotoxin can enter the food chain through contaminated grain-based products, and humans can be exposed to it by consuming contaminated food or animal products.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium fungi, commonly found in cereals like maize, wheat, barley, and other crops. ZEN is known for its estrogenic activity because it structurally resembles estrogen and can mimic its effects in animals and humans. This mycotoxin can enter the food chain through contaminated grain-based products, and humans can be exposed to it by consuming contaminated food or animal products.

Zinc is a primary nutrient that we need to thrive. It’s used in a variety of functions through the body including wound healing and creation of DNA. In North America, zinc deficiencies are rare and an unusually high level of zinc in the blood usually indicates iron deficiency or lead poisoning.

A high level of zinc (Zn) in hair may be indicative of low Zn in cells, and functional Zn deficiency. Zn can be displaced from proteins such as intracellular metallothionein by other metals, particularly cadmium, lead, copper, and mercury (Toxicology of Metals, 1994), resulting in paradoxically elevated hair Zn. Zn may also be high in hair as a result of the use of Zn- containing anti-dandruff shampoo. Rough or dry, flaky skin is a symptom of Zn deficiency, so it is not uncommon for Zn deficient patients to use an anti-dandruff shampoo.

The primary role of zinc is to activate almost 200 enzymes with vital roles in cell regulation, immune function, acid/base balance, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, eicosanoid production, and digestion. Zinc also is a component of insulin (energy metabolism), thymic hormones (immune function) and gustin (taste acuity).

Zinc is an essential trace element that serves as a co-factor for over 300 enzymes and plays a critical role in numerous biological functions. It is necessary for cell growth and division, DNA synthesis, wound healing, taste perception, immune and thyroid function, blood clotting, reproduction, tissue repair, and protection against oxidative stress. Zinc also contributes to important structural and regulatory processes in the body.

Adequate zinc intake helps reduce the absorption of toxic metals like lead and protects the kidneys from cadmium-induced damage. Zinc is absorbed more efficiently when the diet includes animal proteins such as eggs, beef, and cheese—these release amino acids that help keep zinc soluble and bioavailable. Conversely, phytates found in legumes and whole grains can bind zinc and inhibit its absorption. As a result, vegetarians and vegans—who typically consume higher levels of phytates and lower levels of animal protein—are at greater risk for zinc deficiency and may require higher levels of supplementation. Alcohol consumption can also impair zinc status by reducing absorption and increasing urinary losses.

The marker Zinc on a Comprehensive Urine Element Profile panel from Genova Diagnostics is used to assess the amount of zinc that is being excreted in an individual's urine. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays crucial roles in various bodily functions, including immune response, DNA synthesis, and protein production.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that supports immune strength, cellular repair, growth, metabolism, and healthy skin and hair. Unlike serum zinc testing, which reflects short-term changes, whole blood zinc provides a more complete picture of long-term zinc status by measuring zinc inside blood cells as well as in circulation.

Zinc plays a key role in protein and DNA synthesis, wound healing, antioxidant protection, and the senses of taste and smell. It also supports hormone balance, digestive function, and neurological health. Because the body does not store large amounts of zinc, consistent intake from food or supplements is necessary.

Low zinc levels may lead to weakened immunity, frequent infections, hair loss, skin issues, slow wound healing, appetite loss, and reduced taste or smell. High zinc levels, often due to excessive supplementation, can interfere with copper and iron absorption and may contribute to nausea, digestive issues, or immune imbalance.

Testing whole blood zinc helps identify deficiency or excess and guide nutrition or supplementation strategies to maintain healthy immune and metabolic function.

A high level of zinc (Zn) in hair may be indicative of low Zn in cells, and functional Zn deficiency. Zn can be displaced from proteins such as intracellular metallothionein by other metals, particularly cadmium, lead, copper, and mercury (Toxicology of Metals, 1994), resulting in paradoxically elevated hair Zn. Zn may also be high in hair as a result of the use of Zn- containing anti-dandruff shampoo. Rough or dry, flaky skin is a symptom of Zn deficiency, so it is not uncommon for Zn deficient patients to use an anti-dandruff shampoo.